Rethinking Development in Himalayas: Paving the Way to a Viksit Bharat Concludes Successfully at IIAS
A two-day National Seminar on “Rethinking Development in the Himalayas: Paving the Way to a Viksit Bharat” was organized at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, on 25–26 November 2025. The seminar witnessed participation from eminent experts, researchers, and policy specialists from prestigious universities and institutions across the country. Convened by Dr. Ruchi Ramesh, Principal, Government Degree College, Darlaghat, the seminar aimed to facilitate a meaningful discourse on the multi-dimensional challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable and inclusive development in the Himalayan region.
The inaugural session began with the welcome address by Shri Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary, IIAS, followed by an academic introduction to the seminar theme by Dr. Ruchi Ramesh. The keynote address was delivered by National Fellow, Professor Ramesh Chandra Sinha, who presented significant insights on the ecological landscape of the Himalayas, climate vulnerabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and their linkages with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer.
Across the six technical sessions held over two days, scholars presented research papers on diverse themes including Himalayan geopolitics, climate change, disaster risk management, cultural and environmental preservation, traditional knowledge systems, financial inclusion, forest–folk culture, high-altitude resilience, urbanization, agricultural commercialization, and comparative development trajectories of Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh–Jammu & Kashmir. The presentations emphasized issues such as environmental pressures in the Darlaghat region, landslide vulnerabilities along Himalayan corridors, military–strategic contexts, water resources, ecological balance, and policy frameworks aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Valedictory Session
The valedictory session was chaired by the distinguished National Fellow, Professor Sachidananda Mohanty. On this occasion, the seminar report was presented by Dr. Ruchi Ramesh. In his valedictory remarks, Professor Mohanty underlined the unique identity of the Himalayan region, the cultural–ecological harmony of the mountains, and the decisive role of this region in India’s contemporary national development vision. The seminar concluded successfully with the vote of thanks and the National Anthem.
Constitution Day Programme
On the second day of the seminar (26 November 2025), a special programme was organized to mark Constitution Day, during which the Preamble of the Constitution of India was read collectively. Held at 11:00 AM in the Seminar Room, this brief (5-minute) ceremony witnessed the presence of National Fellows, Tagore Fellows, Fellows, IUC Associates, officers, and staff members. All participants reaffirmed their commitment to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
This two-day academic event emerged as a significant platform for knowledge exchange aligned with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, with a special focus on sustainable Himalayan development and environmental sensitivity.
