By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 7 Sept: As part of the various discussions organized for “Himalaya Conservation Week” by Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) and HESCO, a program on the “Himalaya Knowledge System” was held at UCOST. The event focused on the exchange of knowledge and technology for the conservation and sustainable development of the Himalayan region.
The program began with a video message from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. On this occasion, the Chief Minister remarked that the Himalayas are a symbol of pride for us, deeply embedded in our culture, traditions, and identity. He emphasized the importance of sustainable development for the conservation of the Himalayas, highlighting the crucial role of local communities.
Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST, delivered the welcome address, greeting all distinguished guests. He emphasized the importance of preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the Himalayas. Speaking on the Himalayan Knowledge System, Prof. Pant described it as a confluence of knowledge, technology, and local wisdom aimed at the conservation and development of the Himalayan region.
Prof SP Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, Garhwal University, in his talk explained that carbon sequestration can play a crucial role in Himalayan conservation, as it helps mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Padma Shri awardee Kalyan Singh Rawat mentioned the negative effects of climate change on the Himalayas. He pointed out that melting glaciers pose a significant threat, and collective efforts are needed to address this, with a focus on ensuring local community participation through innovative approaches.
Prof GS Rajwar, Former Principal Govt PG College, Tehri, highlighted the importance and challenges of higher education in the Himalayan region.
Prof Ajay Gairola, Former IIT Roorkee, scientist discussed the impact of the complex terrain in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. He shared his insights on the new challenges and solutions posed by the region’s rugged geography.
Dr Pramod Dobriyal, Deputy Director of Higher Education, Uttarakhand, shared his views on “Education and Innovation for the Himalayan Region.” He stated that education and innovation are key to the development of the Himalayan region, and the education system must be tailored to the unique challenges faced by the area.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Dr Sudha Rani Pandey, advised the younger generation to connect with nature.
Kamla Pant, Educationist ,through her poetic lines, beautifully described the beauty of the Himalayas. She urged that we must take personal responsibility for the conservation of the Himalayas, as only then can we move towards its protection.
On this occasion, UCOST honored distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental and Himalayan conservation with the “Him Shri Award”. The awardees included Prof GS Rajwar, Prof Ajay Gairola, Pratap Singh Pokhriyal, Jagdish Negi, Kamala Pant, Dr Sudha Rani Pande, Dr Shambhu Prasad Nautiyal, Himani Purohit, Lal Singh Chauhan, Dr Anjana Williams, Pawan Sharma, and Rakesh Chandra Jugran.
The program concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr DP Uniyal, Joint Director, UCOST, who expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and organizers for making the event successful. The event was coordinated by Kanchan Dobhal, Scientific Officer, UCOST.
