In a significant step towards strengthening international academic collaboration, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Tsukuba, Japan,
Dateline Dehradun: In a significant step towards strengthening international academic collaboration, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Tsukuba, Japan, during the 3rd Japan-India Universities Forum. The forum was organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency and took place in New Delhi.
The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr) NAGATA Kyosuke, President of the University of Tsukuba, and Prof. (Dr) Mukesh Bijalwan, Registrar of SRHU, marking the beginning of a new partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in the areas of education, research, and development. University of Tsukuba was represented by an esteemed delegation, including Prof. (Dr) SAKURAI Takeaki, Director of the Office of Global Initiatives, and Prof. Ohneda Osamu from the Institute of Medicine.
The SRHU delegation was led by Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor of SRHU, and included Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan, Director General of Academic Development, Prof. (Dr) Mukesh Bijalwan, Registrar, and Dr. Apurvaa Trivedi, Associate Professor at the Himalayan School of Management Studies.
During the ceremony, Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan emphasized the legacy of SRHU in providing holistic medical education and its ongoing contributions to the healthcare sector. Dr. Rajendra Dobhal highlighted SRHU’s unwavering commitment to offering the best opportunities in research and development, further strengthening its position as a leader in education.
This MoU between SRHU and the University of Tsukuba paves the way for collaborative academic initiatives, joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and the advancement of shared knowledge in medical education and other disciplines.
The event marks a key milestone in the global outreach efforts of both institutions, as they continue to work towards shared goals in education and innovation.
Dateline Mussoorie: Welcomhotel The Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, one of country’s most iconic historic hotels, marked the beginning of the festive season with its customary Cake Mixing Ceremony, a symbol of ushering in good tidings and happiness.
A head-start to the delectable Christmas cake ceremony brought together hotel guests, staff and the local community for a lively and traditional start to the holiday season. Held in the Beer Garden, this time-honoured tradition symbolizes the start of preparation for Christmas, as a variety of dry fruits, nuts, spices, in-house wines, apricot, rum soaked figs, drunk raisins, dates, candied orange peel, candied ginger, dry cherries, tutti frutti, spices and candied pumpkin are soaked in spirit for weeks to create the delicious traditional Christmas cake.
Cake mixing at Savoy by 1999 Batch of SGC, Mussoorie
Adorned in aprons and chef hats, people from across age groups came together to mix the cake ingredients, filling the evening air with the rich aroma of cinnamon, cloves and rum. Over the years, the cake mixing ceremony at Welcomhotel The Savoy has become more than just a tradition; it is a celebration of togetherness and joy for the community as they rev up for the festive season.
Also present at the event were the 1999 batch of St Georges College, Mussoorie. The alumni felt nostalgic about their school days. The cake- mixing ceremony reminded them of the sense of community and happiness that they grew up with when they were in school.
The ceremony was accompanied by live music and refreshments, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere. Welcomhotel The Savoy, known for its colonial charm and luxurious services, has upheld the legacy of curating memorable experiences for not only its guests but the town’s community at large.
Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, has been awarded A+ Grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, has been awarded A+ Grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
The NAAC team conducted a three-day visit to SRHU for evaluation. NAAC conducts assessment and accreditation of higher educational institutions to gain an understanding of their ‘Quality Status’.
Congratulating the SRHU fraternity on the achievement, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, SRHU, asserted that this is a testimony to the institution’s arduous work, focus, and dedication. He said that the university will continue to achieve excellence in teaching and research while also taking on responsibility for the counseling and care of students as their guardian.
Dr. Dhasmana emphasized that this achievement comes with far greater responsibility. He assured that the university will continue its journey with the same rigour and hard work in providing best-in-class facilities and resources to teachers and students. He attributed the success to the collective efforts of all involved with the university’s day-to-day functioning.
Dr. Dhasmana further asserted that this accomplishment reflects the university’s vision to meet up to higher standards of education as a continuous process. All members of SRHU put in their best efforts that resulted in an A+ grade from NAAC. He acknowledged the future challenges and expressed the university’s commitment to strive for new milestones.
The NAAC team evaluated the university’s academic and research quality as well as its administrative and infrastructural systems. The team also held discussions with students, alumni, parents, and staff.
A university graded in the A+ category gets advantages that include graded autonomy, research grants, freedom to launch online courses, establish off-campus centers, establish foreign collaborations, and more. This status is quite an enabler and speaks of the high credibility of an institution. A grade institute brings in multifarious benefits to students, including better placement prospects.
There is a realization that the grades awarded by NAAC reflects quality of academic delivery, infrastructure superiority, faculty credentials and quality of students.
Mental health camp organised by Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant
Dateline Dehradun: A global awareness campaign was conducted at Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant on World Mental Health Day. As part of this, a free mental health check-up camp was organized, benefiting 67 patients who were examined and counseled.
In the free mental health check-up camp organized by the Clinical Psychology Department of Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant, Dr. Shahana Zahra, Mehzabeen, Rashmi Rekha Sheel, Nitika Kimothi, and Dr. Malini Srivastava listened to the mental health issues of around 67 patients and provided them with free counseling.
During this event, students of M.Sc in Yoga Science—Shailesh, Anmol, Swati, Anika, and Abhishek—helped the patients practice relaxation and breathing exercises based on the Himalayan tradition as taught by the institute’s founder, Dr. Swami Rama.
Department head Dr. Malini Srivastava underlined that there has been a rapid increase in mental health problems worldwide. People of all ages are facing poor mental health in some form, especially in the workplace. She emphasized that it’s time to reconsider how we perceive life. We have forgotten that work is just one part of our life. It is important to maintain a balance between work and other aspects of life, and this should not be brushed aside.
Dr. Nitika Kimothi shared her thoughts on the importance of prioritizing mental health at the workplace. The program’s coordinators, Rekha, Ameesha, and Ph.D scholar Ruhi Jain, also provided their support.
This apart a discussion on mental health was organized by the Psychiatry Department, wherein Dr. Priyaranjan Avinash informed the attendees about improving mental health in the workplace, as it can impact both the employees and the employers.
Sheetal Raj, first Indian Woman to Summit Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) in Tibet.
Dateline Pithoragarh: In a remarkable feat of grit, strength, determination, and passion, Sheetal Raj successfully scaled Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m), 6th highest mountain in the world, located on the Tibet-Nepal border. This outstanding achievement also marks Sheetal as the first Indian woman to summit the peak, adding yet another milestone to her illustrious mountaineering career.
Her previous summits include Mt. Everest (8849m), Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), among others.
Sheetal Raj, first Indian Woman to Summit Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) in Tibet
Sheetal’s achievement is more than just a personal victory—it is a powerful symbol of empowerment for women across India, particularly those from the Himalayan region. Her journey encourages young women to step into a field often dominated by men, showing them that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Sheetal’s story is an inspiration for young women to explore the incredible beauty and challenge of the very mountains they call home. To push boundaries, and chart their own course. She instills the belief that women are equally capable of tackling the hardest, most demanding mountains—both literal and metaphorical.
Sheetal Raj, first Indian Woman to Summit Mt. Cho Oyu.
The Hans Foundation India’s support has been integral to her journey. Their belief in Sheetal has helped her push boundaries and break records on the global mountaineering stage. Ethical Himalaya, with their unwavering commitment to responsible and sustainable exploration, has been another cornerstone of her success.
Sheetal Raj’s triumph brings pride to the nation and paves the way for future generations of female mountaineers to dream big, push higher, and move onwards and upwards breaking down barriers. As she puts it, “Dream big, hold your belief, stay focused and work hard without any fear of stopping you to reach the summit and the world is yours.”
Dateline Pune: Valley of Words (VoW), the Literature and Art Festival, is collaborating with Indus International School and FLAME University Pune to host the ‘Young Adults Vertical ’ segment today. This partnership marks the first time the event is being held in Pune, creating a unique opportunity to bring literature and the arts closer to young audiences in the city.
The event will feature four prominent authors from VoW: General Ian Cardozo, author of Cartoos Saab; Mugdha Sinha, who wrote Postcard Poems; Probal Dasgupta, known for Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories from Battlefields; and Shabnam Minwalla, author of Zen. The authors will engage with young readers and share insights into their works, focusing on themes that resonate with the youth. The hour long sessions will provide a platform for discussing various aspects of the curated books, including their inspirations, storytelling techniques, and the key messages behind their writings.
Festival Director Dr. Sanjeev Chopra and Shalini Rao, curator of the “Iti Nritya” vertical, will represent Valley of Words at the event. Dr. Chopra states, “In many ways, Pune is the natural twin city to Dehradun. Both are centers of education and learning, both have picturesque landscapes, both have been hubs of political activism, and both have a tradition of critical reading and discussions supported by an active network of libraries, reading clubs, bookstores, and cafes that encourage browsing. It is no surprise, then, that VoW is thrilled to partner with Indus International School and FLAME University for the Deccan edition of VoW.”
As part of this collaboration, Indus International School will also host a photography exhibition, adding to the festival’s creative atmosphere. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Sandeep Chhabra, Principal of Indus International School and recent recipient of the EduLeader of the Year award, the school is committed to providing a holistic educational experience. Mr. Chhabra says, “This dynamic event seeks to nurture a love for reading among children, providing them with a unique opportunity to interact with authors and explore diverse literary themes.”
Alongside the exhibition, four simultaneous sessions with the authors will be held, and students will have the unique opportunity to moderate these discussions. This interactive format aims to encourage critical thinking, foster dialogue, and inspire a deeper appreciation for literature among young adults.
FLAME University will contribute to the event by hosting a panel discussion as part of their own literature festival, Epilogue. This collaborative panel will provide additional insights and perspectives on young adult literature, offering a comprehensive experience for participants and attendees.
“The insight that our young audience of literature enthusiasts will gain from discussions with these experienced guests is invaluable. It is an honour to host them as a part of ‘Epilogue: A Literary Saga’, the biggest literature event in FLAME history,” said Tia Arora, President, The Ellipsis: FLAME Writing & Oratory Club.
By working together, Valley of Words, Indus International School, and FLAME University are creating a dynamic and engaging platform for literature, art, and learning aimed at inspiring the next generation of readers and thinkers.
Dateline Rishikesh: Close to two dozen students of the Department of Fine Arts, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand University under Assistant Professor Dr. Mantosh Yadav took part in a one-day water-colour workshop hosted by renowned Kashi artist Hari Darshan Sankhya. Held on the banks of the serene Ganges at Ram Jhula, Rishikesh, under the joint auspices of Sankhya Art Foundation, MYST, and Parvarish Foundation provided the perfect setting for a tailor-made workshop.
Students of Department of Fine Arts, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand University showcasing their paintings
Hari introduced the participants to the technical aspects of water-colour painting. He gave an artistic demonstration of the various essential techniques such as depicting natural objects, scenes, selecting basic colours, the proper use of brushes, choosing the right paper, and various colour-mixing methods to his eager students. Armed with his equipment Hari explained how to create light and shadow effects using layering techniques and captivated the participants by using Chinese ink. A novel and creative experience for young minds.
Renowned Dehradun-based artist and Subharti University faculty member, Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahani, emphasised the importance of selecting the right subject matter or location when working with water-colours. He advised that instead of focusing on broader subjects, artists should concentrate on meaningful, smaller compositions. He also highlighted the importance of concentration, dedication, commitment, perseverance, and continuity when working in the medium of water-colour.
Mr. Arun Dabral, Co-founder of Sankhya Art Foundation, noted the significance of such workshops for the development of art and artists. He remarked that these sessions offer emerging artists the opportunity to learn from established professionals and serve as a source of inspiration. He further added that artists possess a unique perspective and deeper understanding of the world, which drives them to explore the infinite depths of art.
Water-colour painting by Hari Darshan Sankhya.
Dr. Mantosh Yadav extended his gratitude to the invited artists and said how the participants gained valuable insights into the intricacies of water-colour techniques, including drawing, colour composition, light & shadow and perspective.
Mr. Shamsher Warsi, artist and Faculty at Devbhoomi University, was honored with a certificate of appreciation along with students from the Fine Arts Department of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand University, including Dipanshu, Mehak, Saloni, Tripti, Muskan, Kishan, Rakesh, Shalini, Pragati, Barkha, Ayush, and Pooja. The participants wished for more such enlightening, hands-on workshops in the near future.
Dateline Dehradun: On 6th October 2024, students of the Brooklyn School emerged winners for the book enactment of The Chhau Champ, Him Jyoti School for the book Akela, Mondrian House for Pagdi for Sinh, Oceanic International School for What the Dark Sounds Like and The Oasis for Out in the Moonlight, for the Valley of Words (VoW) Children’s Vertical 2024, held at Him Jyoti School, Dehradun. This year’s event brought together students from ten schools in the region and included Creative Book Reading, Book Enactments, Author interviews by school students and Crossword creating an immersive environment where students could celebrate their love for books and literature.
Pic Courtesy: Sneha Rawat
The Inaugural Ceremony commenced with greetings from the event’s hosts, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Him Jyoti School choir, and a welcome address by Jyoti Dhawan, the Curator of the VoW Children’s Vertical.
In her opening remarks, Jyoti Dhawan expressed the essence of the event: “In a world that is fast filling with AI and virtual reality, VoW’s Children’s Vertical aims to initiate young children to the joys of reading and stimulate their creativity and expression. This is the 4th year we have organised a one-of-a-kind event to encourage the children of Dehradun to savour and celebrate the written word to enjoy reading, reciting, singing, enacting, or even mime, creating crosswords and writing creative book reviews!”
The event’s literary component was enriched by the presence of three acclaimed authors:
VoW Children’s Vertical 2024 Celebrates Joy of Reading and Creativity Pic Courtesy: Sneha Rawat
Richa Jha, author of Akela, a children’s story that explores themes of loneliness, imagination, and self-discovery. Through the eyes of a young protagonist, the book beautifully portrays how solitude can sometimes be a powerful space for creativity. Richa Jha is known for her sensitive approach to contemporary issues in children’s literature, and her book Akela encourages readers to embrace their individuality and find strength in their uniqueness.
Vibha Batra, author of The Chhau Camp, brought a fascinating narrative that takes readers into the world of traditional Indian dance forms. The story follows a young girl as she discovers her passion for Chhau, a classical Indian dance, and navigates the challenges that come with pursuing an art form often dominated by men. Vibha Batra’s work is celebrated for its vibrant storytelling and ability to weave cultural richness into stories that appeal to young readers.
Aparna Kapur, author of What the Dark Sounds Like, captivated the audience with her book, which explores themes of mystery, fear, and resilience. The book tells the story of a young girl overcoming her fear of darkness and finding strength in unexpected places. Aparna Kapur’s work is known for blending suspense with emotional depth, making it a thought-provoking read for young adults and children alike.
Each author engaged with the students during the Creative Book Reading session, where they shed light on their writing processes, character development, and the importance of literature in shaping young minds. Students were not only inspired by the stories but also encouraged to explore their creative potential through reading and storytelling.
VoW Children’s Vertical 2024 Celebrates Joy of Reading and Creativity Pic Courtesy: Shalini Rawat
The creative book reading session allowed students to showcase their interpretation of the authors’ works through expressive readings, while the book enactments saw them bring key scenes from the featured books to life. The crossword puzzles added an element of fun and competition, with participants engaging in literary-themed word games that tested their knowledge of authors, books, and genres.
The day’s proceedings were further enriched by Mr Manish Agarwal, the Regional Officer of CBSE, Ms Jyotsna Brar, former Principal of Welham Girls’ School, and Ms Ruma Malhotra, Principal of Him Jyoti School, who delivered speeches on the importance of such initiatives in the intellectual development of students.
VoW Children’s Vertical 2024 Celebrates Joy of Reading and Creativity Pic Courtesy: Shivang Yadav
The event drew towards the end with final remarks by Mr Sanjeev Chopra, Festival Director of Valley of Words, who commended the students for their performances and engagement throughout the day. He also announced the results, with winners from each activity awarded prizes and certificates.
Mr. Sanjeev Chopra shared, “The Children’s Vertical at VoW is a celebration of the best-illustrated books for children. This is the age when young minds must begin their lifelong engagement with books. And so, this genre is the most significant for Valley of Words.”
The day concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where Jyoti Dhawan awarded the top performers in the book readings, enactments, and quizzes. The event was meticulously organized, with volunteers from the Valley of Words team ensuring the smooth execution of activities.
The VoW Children’s Vertical 2024 proved to be a remarkable success, continuing its tradition of fostering creativity and love for literature among young minds in Dehradun. The overwhelming response from students, educators, and authors confirmed the event’s impact, and it remains a unique platform for nurturing intellectual exploration in children.
In a joint initiative Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neonatology at Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant
Dateline Dehradun: In a joint initiative Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neonatology at Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant organised a two-day workshop and conference under the aegis of Uttarakhand neonatology society.
Setting the conference in motion Chief guest Swami Rama Himalayan University President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana said that conferences such as this one are a way to assimilate what has been learnt and master new knowledge and skills. Vice chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal underlined that collaboration is the way forward for enhancing neonatal healthcare.
Director health services Uttarakhand Dr. Tara Arya congratulated the organising team and emphasised ‘Surakshit Matritva’ to upgrade and refine efforts to ensure neonatal survival.
Principal HIMS, said that it is important to focus on neonatal health to bring neonatal mortality down to single digits, and this is possible with collective efforts of Obstetricians , Nurses & Paediatricians .
Dr. Vipin Vaish President, Uttarakhand Neonatology Society praised the efforts of the organising team for bringing in a judicious mix of scientific content including participation of Gynecologists and nurses in the workshop.
Dr Anil Rawat organising Chairperson welcomed the guests and communicated the engagement for the day. A souvenir, ready reckoner and a society brooch were released at the conference as apt mementos commemorating the occasion.
This was followed by scientific deliberations and panels with senior members from Pediatrics including Dr. Geeta Khanna, Gynaecologists Dr. Meenu Vaish, Dr. Reena Ahuja and community expert Dr Rajeev Bijalwan. Senior panelists were unanimous that state Government needs to invest in Health systems, in order to reach Goals of SDG by ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality .
Faculties from all over the state took part in the conference. Dr. Rakesh Kumar and Dr. Saikat Patra thanked all dignitaries, faculty and delegates for joining in a noble cause.
The conference encompassed two workshops at Himalayan hospital on facility based nursing care led by Dr Soham Majumder, Dr Sylvia, Tenzin, Irene, neonatal ultrasound led by Chinmay Chetan and one workshop on mechanical ventilation at AIIMS Rishikesh led by Prof Ashok Deorari and managed by Dr Suman Chaurasia.
About 250 delegates participated in various events and the scientific programme was appreciated by everyone.
Dr, Mushtaq Ahmed, Dr Sanober Wasim, Dr Ashish Simalti, Dr Alpa Gupta, Dr Neerul Pandita, Dr Sonam Agarwal, Dr Rashmi Rajput, Dr Rajlaxmi and others were present amongst others.
Dateline Dehradun: Valley of Words, Literature and Arts festival is thrilled to announce its shortlist for Iti Nritya finalists, 2024.
Shalini Rao, Curator of the event said, “With such strong competition, we have selected five finalists, but only the first three will be performing at the flagship festival in Dehradun due to time constraints. We will, however, strive to provide the remaining two finalists with as much exposure as possible.”
The following are Iti Nritya shortlisted artists for 2024:
Sandip Kundu, a Kuchipudi dancer from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, has been learning Kuchipudi for the past 10 years under Sri Biraj Roy. In addition, he holds a senior diploma in Sattriya under Smt. Sreemayee Borah. Sandip has won numerous awards and a dance scholarship and has performed extensively.
Ratri Manik, a Manipuri dancer from Narayangarh, West Bengal, is a disciple of Prof. Dr. Sruti Bandopadhay. Ratri is also trained in Bharatanatyam, Rabindranritya, Mohiniyattam, and folk dances of Bengal. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Manipuri Dance at Sangit Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.
Kirti Kurande, a Kathak dancer from Pune, has been training with Pta. Maneesha Sathe for the last 16 years. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Kathak from Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Performing Arts, Pune, where she graduated with a gold medal. Kirti has performed widely both as a soloist and with her mentor’s troupe and currently works as a video editor.
Himansee Katragadda, a Kuchipudi dancer from Warangal, Telangana, trained under Shri B. Sudheer Rao and Kala Ratna Dr. Sathyapriya Ramana. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science, she has performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Himansee was named the Young Achiever of Telangana by the Government of India in 2023 and has received numerous awards.
Simran Kashyap is our final finalist. A Kathak dancer and teacher specializing in the Lucknow Gharana, she trained under Dr. Akanksha Shrivastava. Simran holds a postgraduate degree in Kathak and has been teaching dance for over five years. She has performed at several prestigious venues and has won many awards.
