By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 3 Mar: Uttaranchal University, in collaboration with the Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS), organised a two-day training programme under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to train local villagers and farmers in making plant-based, eco-friendly Holi colours. The initiative aimed to discourage chemical-based colours harmful to health and the environment and to inspire green business, rural economic growth, and sustainability.
President of the University Jitender Joshi inaugurated the event, emphasising sustainable practices. He mentioned that Uttaranchal University is committed to the local community for their welfare and wellbeing. It remains committed to sustainable rural development through skill-based community initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dharam Buddhi highlighted the University’s commitment to rural outreach, announcing free consultancy for Agri-entrepreneurship and free-soil health testing for underprivileged farmers.
Dr Brijmohan Sharma, Chief Functionary, SPECS, led the training with his team comprising Neeraj Uniyal, Ram Tirath Mourya, and Ashok Kumar. They demonstrated the extraction of natural colours from Spinach leaves, Butea flowers, Marigold flower, Orange peels, Beetroot, Kinnow and Turmeric. It was stated that there are green business opportunities available using local plant species.
University Vice President Ankita Joshi, Executive Director Dr Abhishek Joshi, Director, Planning & Governance, Jagdish Joshi, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajesh Bahuguna, Registrar Dr Anuj Kumar Rana, Directors, Principals, and faculty members were among those present.
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over one hundred farmers, students, and social workers, including Gram Pradhans Rajni Devi and Manjeet Singh (Hariyawala Kalan), Anju Tomar and Surendra Tomar (Kolhupani & Kotra Santaur), Mehroon and Rashid (Majhaun), and Sudhir Kumar (Paundha).
Coordinated by Rajesh Deorari (Director, IQAC), along with Sudhir Jugran, Rishi Nautiyal (Assistant Managers, IQAC), and Abhishek Pathak (Assistant Director cum faculty, Centre for Distance and Online Education), the event concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr Rajendra Prasad, UBA Coordinator. Lt Nitin Duklan (Associate NCC Officer), Sarveshwar Prasad (Permanent Instructor, NCC), and Dr VK Srivastava, NSS Coordinator, helped organised the event. Dr Reeta Rautela, HoD, School of Liberal Arts, coordinated the students’ welcome dance for the inaugural event. Dheeraj Bisht, Field Officer, also played a crucial role.
