A New Generation Takes on the Himalayas: Students Lead the Charge for Conservation
The vibrant town of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, was recently abuzz with fresh ideas and passionate discussion as a major national symposium, driven entirely by students, wrapped up on September 3rd, 2025.
The event, titled “National Symposium on Sustainable Development and Conservation of Himalayan Bioresources,” was more than just an academic conference. It was a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, embodying his belief in the power of education. Over 100 students and experts from across India gathered at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) to share a common goal: protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Planting the Seeds of Collaboration
The two-day event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, who highlighted the institute’s real-world work in conserving precious resources and creating a sustainable “bio-economy” for local communities.
The tone for collaboration was set by Dr. Rakesh Sehgal from NIT Hamirpur, who praised the student initiative and stressed that “problem-solving collaborative efforts with a focus on the future are the need of the hour.”
A Tapestry of Ideas: From Satellites to Medicinal Plants
The symposium unfolded through a rich tapestry of expert talks and student presentations:
· The Big Picture: Dr. PK Joshi (JNU) showed how cutting-edge sensor technology can map resources from the sky, while Dr. CP Kala (IIFM Bhopal) explored the delicate balance of alpine meadows and traditional grazing.
· Nature’s Pharmacy: The importance of high-altitude medicinal plants was brought to light by Dr. VK Purohit from Uttarakhand. This was complemented by talks on using biotechnology and molecular biology to conserve these vital plant resources for the future.
· From Lab to Table: The conversation also turned to food, with experts like Dr. PS Panesar discussing recent food research and Dr. S Jachak speaking online about the power of natural products in pharmaceuticals.
More Than Just Talk: Action and Celebration
The symposium was marked by tangible outcomes and celebration:
· The energy of the next generation was on full display with over 70 student presentations (15 oral and 57 posters).
· The institute signed two major technology transfers with companies in Delhi and Haryana, turning research on value-added food products into real-world businesses.
· An exhibition showcased these exciting products, demonstrating science in action.
· The event also celebrated creativity, felicitating winners of photography, videography, and meme competitions that captured the spirit of the Himalayas.
The conclusion of the symposium wasn’t an end, but a promising beginning—a testament to the power of uniting multidisciplinary minds to safeguard the majestic Himalayas for generations to come.
