This year, the programme focuses on the theme of human-wildlife interactions. Across India’s diverse land- and seascapes, humans and wildlife have long shared space and resources, forming relationships that are complex, dynamic, and deeply intertwined. Over time, these interactions have evolved significantly, shaped by shifting socio-cultural, political, and economic forces. Today, rapid and large-scale anthropogenic interventions have transformed habitats as well as people’s relationship with their wild ancestors. In this context, it is more important than ever to understand these interactions in depth and explore meaningful ways for people and wildlife to coexist. This year’s theme calls for inclusive, science-driven, and compassionate approaches—rooted in both ecological knowledge and community wisdom—to navigate the human-wildlife interface. It invites us to embrace the idea that humans and more-than-human beings are co-creators of shared social-ecological spaces, continually shaping and influencing one another.