Uttaranchal
University, in collaboration with the Society of
Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS), organized a
two-day (March 3-4, 2025) training under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to train local
villagers and farmers in making plant-based, eco-friendly Holi colours. The
initiative aimed to discourage chemical-based colours harmful to health and the
environment and to inspire green business, rural
economic growth and sustainability.
Hon’ble
President of the University Shri Jitender Joshi inaugurated the event,
emphasizing sustainable practices. He
mentioned that Uttaranchal University is committed to the local community for
their welfare and wellbeing. Uttaranchal University remains committed to
sustainable rural development through skill-based community initiatives.
Dr. Brijmohan Sharma, Chief Functionary, SPECS, led the training with his team- Mr. Neeraj Uniyal, Mr. Ram Tirath Mourya and Mr. Ashok Kumar- demonstrating the extraction of natural colours from Spinach leaves, Butea flowers, Marigold flower, Orange peels, Beetroot, Kino fruit and Turmeric etc. He further added that there are green business opportunities available using local plant species.
The
University Vice President Ms. Ankita Joshi, Executive Director Dr. Abhishek
Joshi, Director Planning & Governance Shri Jagdish Joshi, Pro
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajesh Bahuguna, Registrar Dr. Anuj Kumar Rana,
Directors, Principals and faculty members were present.
The
workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over one hundred farmers, students
and social workers, including Gram Pradhans: Smt. Rajni Devi & Shri Manjeet
Singh (Hariyawala Kalan), Smt. Anju Tomar & Sh. Surendra Tomar (Kolhupani
& Kotra Santaur), Smt. Mehroon & Shri Rashid (Majhaun), and Sh. Sudhir
Kumar (Paundha).
Coordinated
by Mr. Rajesh Deorari (Director, IQAC), along with Mr. Sudhir Jugran, Mr. Rishi
Nautiyal (Assistant Managers, IQAC), and Mr. Abhishek Pathak (Assistant Director
cum faculty, Centre for Distance and Online Education), the event concluded
with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, UBA Coordinator.
Special thanks to Lt. Nitin Duklan (Associate NCC Officer), Mr. Sarveshwar
Prasad (Permanent Instructor, NCC), and Dr. V.K. Srivastava, NSS Coordinator,
for coordinating student discipline. Dr. Reeta Rautela, HoD, School of
Liberal Arts, coordinated the students' welcome dance for the inaugural event.
Mr. Dheeraj Bisht, Field Officer, played a crucial role as a bridge in
making this event a success.
