National Conference 2019

Report of the Two-Day National Conference on “Rethinking the Himalayas: Its Scope and Protection” organized by Govt. College Karsog on December 12-13, 2019

This national conference has received an overwhelming response from delegates despite inclement cold weather.

The inaugural ceremony of the conference began with an invocation song and our principal Dr. Deepa Sharma welcomed dignitaries and the august gathering. A few minutes later, Prof. Kulbhushan Sharma, Convener of the conference presented an Introductory Address to the conference. He also introduced today’s keynote speaker, Dr. S.S Samant, Director of HFRI to the congregation in the Conference Hall.

Dr. SS Samant, who has been at the helm of Himalayan Forest Research Institute Shimla for the last twenty years, started by stating the importance of flora and fauna in the life of human beings. He stressed that plants have medicinal significance, for a few plants are useful in treating deadly diseases like cancer. He also made it clear that the seeds of Jamun and Ragi make our immune system strong.

In a nutshell, he suggested remedies like Exposure Visits, Active Participation, and Awareness among the masses regarding Environmental Conservation. Prominently, today's Chief Guest Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor Panjab University Chandigarh delivered an insightful address, stating that the Himalayas have a religious significance. He said that our Rishi Munis mentioned the name of Himalayas in Vedas and Puranas thousands of years back. He also said that the more we develop ourselves the more we are prone to climate change.

In the closing stages of Prof. Raj Kumar’s address, Dr Pankaj Sharma, the Organising Secretary of the Conference proposed a vote of thanks.

Moving forward, The Plenary Session-I had two speakers headed by Dr. Kamal Kant, Rtd. Principal of the college. Dr. Anil, the first speaker of this session states that if we wish to save the world, we need to rethink. He talked about our cultural traditions and correlated them with science. He also stressed not to disturb nature. Dr Prashant Gautam highlighted the role of the corporate world. He focused on Management in today’s uncertain world. He also suggested how to be skilled in marketing. Dr. Kamal Kant suggests that we have to take advantage of nature by the needs of human beings. He further says that the Himalayas offer everything like livelihood, a conducive environment for health and even a boundary wall that protects us from external intruders. Finally, he urges everyone to be responsible and caring about the environment.

The Parallel Technical Session was chaired by Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, Dean School of Humanities and European Languages, Central University, Dharamshala, Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and Dr. Janesh Kapoor, the principal of Govt. College Darlaghat, Solan. Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma talked about Himalaya and its sustainability. He also stressed on to re-read literature to bring reality to the surface. In this session, a few scholars presented their papers.

Nagama Ansari was the first who presented her paper on ‘Indigenous Traditional Knowledge of the Himalayas. She states that it has become the need of the hour to protect our traditional knowledge of plants which are essential for human beings.

Dr. Labh Singh presented a paper on ‘Rationality and Perspectives of Traditional Crops and Natural Farming in Western Himalayan regions, He emphasized the significance of natural farming and our traditional crops like Jau and Kodra, for these crops are very useful for health.

Dr Leela Dhar in his paper highlighted how folk songs embody Nature as our mother and pave the way to care for Mother Earth which is in jeopardy today. Prof. Sudama Ram highlighted wastage of the human resources near Imla–Bimla, two rivulets and suggested remedies in this regard.

Besides, Miss Nitu talked about Vilupat Hoti Jeevan Padhati, Lalit Kumar in Tut Ta Hua Himalaya and Son Krishan in SJVNl Company shared their ideas with the delegates at the conference.

Last but not least, Prof. Kulbhushan Sharma presented a paper on ‘The Himalayan Bond: Ecocritical Perspectives in Ruskin Bond’s Writings’. He tried to find out how Bond had looked at the Himalayas through the lens of Ecocriticism.

At the end of the session, Dr. Janesh Kapoor and Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma put forward tips for these scholars and paper presenters regarding effective and constructive research.

On 13th December 2019, The Plenary Session- II was chaired by Dr. Deepa Sharma, Principal Govt. College Karsog.

As the first speaker of the session, Dr Kamal Kant threw light on the Cultural, Agricultural, and Geographical significance of the Himalayas in India. He pointed out that the Himalayas should be exploited in a balanced manner so that it may not be contaminated. It needs to be protected for the welfare of our posterity. Dr Janesh Kapoor, one of the speakers of the session, provided the traditional knowledge of Saancha Vidaya. He further says that this Vidya (knowledge) is not plain superstition but a mathematical proven foundation. He provided us with tantric and supernatural knowledge of Saancha Vidya. The main stance of his talk was to consolidate traditional and contemporary knowledge so that we can lead a balanced life.

Dr Ravi Gaur, the last speaker of the session provided a spiritual interpretation of the Himalayas He explained that “it is not time to rethink over Himalayas but to act”. Besides, he talked about Vedic knowledge and said how it is advantageous in today’s world. Finally, he passed critical and analytical remarks on the paper presenters and said we have to lift our swords and come forward to protect the Himalayas.

Dr Deepa Sharma, the principal of Govt. College Karsog spoke on the Himalaya and its relation with Shiva and Parvati. While quoting a story from Hindu religion she looked at the Himalaya through the prism of ecocriticism, stating how Parvati felt pain when a tree had been cut by someone else in the Himalayas. Her depiction of the story was just like sharing her emotions with nature. She further says that The Himalaya whom we look upon as part of God should not be polluted and destroyed in the name of development.

The Parallel Technical Session of the Conference was chaired by Prof. Sudama Ram, Associate Professor Govt. College Karsog. In this session, a few papers were read by the scholars.

Mr. Harish Bharati, working in H.P State Centre on Climate Change, Vijayan Bhawan, Bemloe, Shimla presented a paper on ‘Lesser known Edible Plants of Karsog Valley. He explores how these lesser-known plants are nutritious and useful to human beings. He also made us aware of these plants and their significance., Mis Bhavana Devi, Research Associate, Department of Botany, VGC Mandi presented a paper on ‘Traditional Use, Distribution and Nativity of Khanoor in Tehsil Thunag of District Mandi of HP, North West Himalaya’. She explores different uses of Khanoor and its significance in present and near future.

The Valedictory session was chaired by Prof. Meenakshi F. Faul, Principal at Evening Study Centre Shimla. Prof. Roshan Lal Sharma, the chief guest of the day explained ‘Rethinking the Himalayas: Its Scope and Protection’. He also explored deeply the undersurface meaning of the topic. Stating further, he talked about folk culture and folk theatre of India and revealed the content of the songs and the significance of folk culture in the Western Himalayas. He very effectively and constructively explained theatre forms like Karyala, Banthara, and Swaang and explored how Karyala has socio-cultural significance.

At the closing of the Conference, we came to know how the Himalayas can be saved by us shortly.