Celebrating the Beauty and Importance of Plants at CSIR-IHBT
Public trust inspiration to move forward with greater dedication
Congress emerges victorious in 32 urban local bodies
The CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, marked the Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) on May 18, 2026, with great enthusiasm and participation. This global initiative aims to highlight the vital role of plant science in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, spoke about the significance of this special day. He reminded everyone of how deeply plants are woven into our daily lives—providing us with clean air and water, food, fibre, and much more. He also shared insights into the institute’s ongoing work, which ranges from exploring and documenting plant diversity to studying, conserving, and utilizing plant resources for sustainable development.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. D.K. Upreti, former Acting Director of the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. His engaging talk focused on the relationship between people and plants, with a special emphasis on lichens. He explained how lichens serve as important indicators of environmental changes, especially climate shifts and pollution levels. Dr. Upreti encouraged everyone to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and to actively contribute to conserving our rich natural resources.
The event saw enthusiastic participation not only from the institute’s scientists and scholars but also from representatives of nearby organizations. As part of the JIGYASA program, students and teachers from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Paprola, Kangra, joined the celebration. The program was organized under the Mission Bioresource Conservation and Prospection, making it an enriching educational experience for the young participants.
Overall, the celebration served as a meaningful reminder of the indispensable role of plants in our lives and inspired attendees to appreciate and protect the green wealth around us. 🌱
