Delhi University proposed Global Alliance on Himalayas

Newdelhi:9/9/21:Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences as well as Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, Shri Ajay Bhatt Minister of State for Defence and Tourism, GOI as well as Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, former Union Minister of Education lauded the role of Centre for Himalayan Studies, the University of Delhi for its initiative on ‘Beyond Himalayas’.  While addressing the students and faculty members during a National Conference ‘Beyond Himalayas’ all the dignitaries said that the Centre for Himalayan Studies at Delhi University can play a significant role in the conservation of Himalayan bioresources and sustainable development of the region.

Nearly one hundred Vice-Chancellors and several heads of institutions from across the country who joined online echoed the same sentiments. Dr Jitendra Singh said ‘Himalaya is a source of many important resources, and it is time for all of us to look towards the preservation of Himalayas. Several initiatives have been undertaken on the mission mode by the Government of India not only for the welfare of the Himalayan people but also for the people across the country. Dr Singh also released a book entitled Him Nad: Manav Jeevan ka Adhar, written by Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank during the programme. Mr Kiren Rijiju said that the compulsory tree plantation initiative by every student of Delhi University is a welcome step towards the preservation of the environment and this should be encouraged.  While addressing the gathering, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said there should be more research on Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ayurveda and other aspects of Himalayas.  He also said the glaciers are melting much faster than expected and we should do something about this. Mr Ajay Bhatt said Himalayas not only protect us from the borders but also is a source of inspiration for all of us. Prof. P.C. Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University said that currently Himalayas serve 1.9 billion people over ten countries, therefore it is an important ecological pillar. Centre for Himalayan Studies at Delhi University will play a pivotal role not only in the research and development but also in policy and advocacy.

Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director Centre for Himalayan Studies said there should be a Global Alliance on Himalayas at the international level beyond the boundaries of Himalayas. He said that plant a tree initiative implemented by Delhi University should be part of the curriculum for every educational institution in the country if we want a better future. Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to GOI, said, more R&D initiatives should be undertaken on various aspects of Himalayas.  Dr. Shekhar Mande, Director-General CSIR and Secretary Department of Earth Sciences GOI said that CSIR will be very happy to collaborate with Delhi University to work on various aspects of Himalayas. Dr Anil Prakash Joshi said ‘we all derive water, fresh air, and our needs from Himalayas and presently the resources of Himalayas are overexploited and Himalaya is under threat. Therefore, it is time for us to join hands and work together. Dr Renu Swarup, Said Himalayan bioresources are important, and all necessary help will be provided to work on Himalayan bioresources. Prof. Rajesh Naithani PVC, Himalayiya University welcomed the idea of inter-institutional collaborations.