09-09-2025 : Governor inaugurates ‘Himalaya Calling 2025’, calls Himalayas the lifeline and guardian of humanity.
Rajbhawan Dehradun 09 September, 2025
Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), inaugurated the three-day global conference ‘Himalaya Calling 2025’ at UPES on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Himalayan Institute for Learning and Leadership (HILL), is dedicated to the cultural, environmental, and intellectual heritage of the Himalayas, bringing together national and international thinkers and environmentalists for dialogue and deliberation. On this occasion, the Governor also visited an exhibition showcasing Himalayan products.
In his inaugural address, the Governor said, “The well-being of humanity and nature lies in the preservation of the Himalayas.” He observed that nature has been repeatedly warning us—sometimes in the form of floods and cloudbursts, and at other times through rising heat and pollution. Ignoring water, forests, and land, he cautioned, is becoming a grave threat to human survival.
He further noted that reckless deforestation, river pollution, and expanding concrete jungles are raising serious concerns about human existence. “We must learn to preserve what nature has given us in its original form. It is imperative for all of us to take initiatives towards afforestation, water conservation, and environmental balance,” the Governor emphasized.
Highlighting the essence of the conference, he remarked that ‘Himalaya Calling’ is not merely a gathering but a collective commitment to protect and preserve the Himalayas. “The Himalayas are not only the guardians of our earth but also of our soul. This initiative by UPES is commendable as it brings together scientists, policymakers, students, and communities to work towards sustainable solutions,” he said.
The Governor stressed that the Himalayas are more than mountains—they are the very lifeline of our existence. Their unique geography calls for deeper research and study. At the global level, he said, protecting and understanding the Himalayas is the need of the hour, and safeguarding them is humanity’s shared responsibility in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, UPES Vice Chancellor Dr. Ram Sharma said, “Himalaya Calling is a living classroom where scientists, innovators, artists, policymakers, and communities are working together to transform research into practice and advance sustainable development goals. We take pride in UPES leading this effort while preparing our students for purposeful leadership.”
Welcoming all participants, UPES Chairman Prof. Sunil Rai expressed his gratitude. HILL Director Dr. J.K. Pandey added, “This year our focus is on a solution-driven approach. We are linking research with community wisdom, showcasing Himalayan products and photography, and building long-term cooperation through roundtable discussions. Our aim is to make young people realize that the Himalayas are not a problem but a companion—one that must be respected and revitalized.”
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