09-09-2025 : Governor’s Address at the Inaugural Ceremony of “Himalaya Calling 2025”.
Jai Hind!
Honourable dignitaries,
On this historic occasion of the inauguration of “Himalaya Calling 2025”, a conference dedicated to such a sensitive, serious, and significant subject, I feel immense joy and pride to be present among distinguished scholars, scientists, policymakers, beloved students, and revered citizens. This is not merely an event, but a symbol of our collective reverence, sensitivity, and commitment towards the mighty Himalayas.
I am delighted that today and the coming three days are dedicated to the vital global concern of conserving the Himalayas and understanding their importance. I extend my congratulations to UPES and HILL for organizing this meaningful conference.
Friends,
The heart, soul, and culture of India have flourished in the lap of the Himalayas. Our sages called it Giriraj (King of Mountains), regarded it as the abode of the gods, and revered it as the “spiritual pole star.” From the Vedas to the Upanishads, from the Puranas to saint-poets – in every age, the Himalayas have been seen not merely as a part of geography, but as the eternal foundation of spiritual life.
The Rigveda sings of its glory: “Himavān parvato mahān, yasya nityā dhārāḥ pravahanti” – meaning, the Himalayas are the great mountains whose eternal streams sustain life on earth.
The life-giving rivers that originate here – the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Indus – became the cradle of civilization not only for India but for the entire South Asian region. That is why our sages called the Himalayas the “reservoir of waters,” the “guardian of culture,” and the “protector of life.”
Friends,
India’s ancient civilization has always been nature-based. Here, the earth was worshipped as Bhumata (Mother Earth), rivers as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and mountains as Giriraj. In the Himalayas lies Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Here too are the sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Adi Guru Shankaracharya spread the philosophy of Advaita from the lap of these mountains. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came here and said – “Mountains, rivers, skies, and forests – all are forms of God, and water is the bridge that connects us with creation.”
The Himalayas are not only sacred sites but also lands of knowledge and penance. Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata here. Yogis and seekers attained self-realization here. The silent caves, holy rivers, and snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas provide peace and spiritual energy to the soul.
Friends,
The well-being of humanity and nature lies in the conservation of the Himalayas. Nature has been warning us repeatedly – sometimes through floods and cloudbursts, and sometimes through rising heat and pollution. These are signs that neglect of water, forests, and land is pushing humanity into crisis.
Uncontrolled deforestation, river pollution, and expanding concrete jungles are questioning our very existence. We must realize that what nature has given must remain in its place. Our breath is safe only when the air is pure. Food is life-giving only when it is as wholesome as medicine. Water is nectar only when free of pollution. The young generation must heed this warning and take the lead in tree plantation, water conservation, and maintaining ecological balance.
The Himalayas are not just mountains – they are our lifeline. Their unique geography calls us to research and study. At the global level, protecting and understanding the Himalayas is now the demand of our times.
Friends,
The Himalayas teach us patience. Their heights remind us of greatness. Their rivers teach us ceaseless service and flow. Their valleys inspire humility. Their icy stillness conveys the message of penance and self-restraint. For our youth, the Himalayas are not only a heritage of the past but also an inspiration for the future. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, the Himalayas show us the path of balance, restraint, and stability.
This conference is not merely about environment or academics. Its theme – “With Himalayas: One Earth, One Family, One Future – Achieving SDGs Together” – resonates with India’s timeless concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
When the Himalayas are healthy, the world will be healthy. When the Himalayas are hurt, all humanity will face crisis. Hence, protecting the Himalayas is not only India’s duty but a global responsibility.
The Himalayas are the first witnesses of climate change. If their rivers dry up, millions of lives will suffer. If their glaciers melt, sea levels will rise and coastal cities worldwide will be at risk. Thus, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the protection of the Himalayas as a shared responsibility of all humanity.
In Indian culture, every element of nature is seen as divine. The Sun is the deity of energy, the Moon the symbol of peace, rivers as mothers, plants as medicines and life-givers, and mountains as symbols of stability and strength. The Earth itself is worshipped as mother. This philosophy teaches us that development and conservation are not contradictory, but complementary.
I am pleased that the Himalayan Institute for Learning and Leadership (HILL) is working with this very vision. This platform connects science, policy, community, and industry. Its solutions are not limited to research, but flow directly into the lives of people.
This forum is developing concrete strategies for disaster management, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. It is linking local employment, entrepreneurship, and culture. It is weaving together universities and communities – a shining example that higher education institutions are not just centers of knowledge, but think-tanks shaping regional and global futures.
The flowing waters from the Himalayas teach us continuity and purity. Their silent valleys inspire meditation and self-dialogue. The Upanishads say: “Shānto’hamasmi himavadvat” – “I am peaceful like the Himalayas.” And this peace is what the entire world needs today. In times when the world struggles with wars, pollution, inequality, and insecurity, the Himalayas guide us towards compassion, balance, and coexistence.
Friends,
The Himalayas do not belong to India alone. They stretch across Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Protecting them requires collective effort from all nations. But this journey must begin at the local level – by planting trees, cleaning rivers, using energy wisely, and preserving our traditions.
In conclusion, I congratulate all of you for participating in this conference. I extend heartfelt best wishes to UPES and HILL for this important initiative. I firmly believe that the ideas and suggestions emerging from here will not remain confined to documents but will take shape in real life, protecting the Himalayas and benefiting all humanity.
By saving the Himalayas, we can ensure a safe and prosperous future for generations to come. Let us all take a pledge today – that we shall protect Giriraj Himalaya, maintain balance between development and conservation, choose the path of coexistence with nature, and commit ourselves to One Earth, One Family, One Future. This is the true call of the Himalayas.
I conclude my address with the Vedic peace mantra:
“Om dyauḥ śāntiḥ antarikṣaṃ śāntiḥ pṛthivī śāntiḥ,
āpaḥ śāntiḥ auṣadhayaḥ śāntiḥ vanaspatayaḥ śāntiḥ,
viśve devāḥ śāntiḥ brahma śāntiḥ sarvaṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ eva śāntiḥ.”
Meaning – Let there be peace in the skies, peace in the atmosphere, peace on the earth. Peace in the rivers, peace in the herbs, peace in the trees. Peace among all gods, peace in the eternal spirit, and peace pervading the entire creation.
Jai Hind!