Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant organized a guest lecture for students to foster awareness about environmental issues and promote active participation in addressing ecological challenges.
SRHU Himalayan School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (HSPS), Rural Development Institute jointly hosted a significant interactive session for its students. The distinguished guest speaker Padma Bhushan Chandi Prasad Bhatt, one of India’s foremost environmentalists was welcomed by Dr. Ganesh Kumar Principal HSPS with a memento before the commencement of the event.
While addressing the gathering Padma Bhushan Chandi Prasad Bhatt focused on increasing the students’ understanding of the urgent environmental challenges currently facing the world, particularly in the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas. He explained how the Himalayan region, home to vital ecosystems and diverse communities, is experiencing profound environmental degradation due to factors such as deforestation, climate change, overexploitation of resources, and pollution.
Bhatt shared insights from his own work in environmental conservation, shedding light on the ongoing projects aimed at preserving the Himalayan ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of sustainable development practices, reforestation efforts, and the promotion of community-led initiatives that engage local populations in protecting their environment.
He also addressed the critical need for collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and local communities to devise practical solutions for environmental protection.
Drawing from his experiences in grassroots activism, Bhatt emphasized the role of education and awareness in fostering a sense of responsibility amongst young people. He encouraged students to become active participants in environmental conservation, not only through advocacy but also by adopting sustainable habits in their daily lives.
The convenors of the event were Dr. Ganesh Kumar and B Maithili.
Over 186 patients took advantage of the free health checkups.
Dateline Dehradun: A free Ayushman health camp was organized at CHC Bhagwanpur under the joint aegis of Himalayan Hospital Jolly Grant, the National Health Mission of Uttarakhand, and the Chief Medical Office of Haridwar.
The Department of Community Medicine of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) organized the free Ayushman health checkup camp at the Community Health Center in Bhagwanpur (Haridwar).
Under the guidance of HIMS Principal Dr. A.K. Deorari, doctors from various departments, including Dr. Surbhi Mishra from Community Medicine, Dr. Shivam Sethi from General Medicine, Dr. Debajyoti Banerjee from Pediatrics, Dr. Chhavi Garg from Ophthalmology, Dr. Simran Dhawan from Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Renu Parmar from Dental Surgery, Dr. Sukant Tomar from Orthopedics, and Dr. Anshu Prasad from Psychiatry, conducted health examinations and provided consultations to over 186 patients who attended the camp.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava, the nodal officer of the camp, informed that registration, consultations, and tests for sugar, BP, haemoglobin, along with free medicines, were provided to the patients.
MBBS students Swasti Garg, Swati Bisht, Vaibhav Gupta, and Varun Raghuvanshi assisted in the smooth operation of the camp.
Dateline Dehradun: A week after announcing the winners of the VoW~REC Book Awards 2024, Valley of Words, Literature and Art Festival announced the longlist for yet another vertical: Iti Nritya, 2024. Curator of the event, Shalini Rao said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your invaluable contributions to making Iti Nritya 2024 a resounding success, once again continuing the proud tradition of excellence set by previous years.” She further added, ” This year, we were thrilled to witness an extraordinary turnout, with a significant number of participants from across the country. The overwhelming response has been truly heartwarming, reflecting the passion and dedication of the dance community.
The competition this year was particularly intense, with participants showcasing exceptional talent, creativity, and commitment to their craft. The level of performance was so high that it posed a unique challenge for our esteemed panel of judges, who faced the difficult task of selecting the best from such a remarkable pool of talent. This year, the judges had to make very fine distinctions, as most participants delivered excellent performances. The curator and the jury encouraged all those who did not make it onto the longlist to keep practicing and apply again in the future.
The Valley of Words, remains deeply committed to their mission of providing a platform for emerging and talented dancers, helping them gain recognition and opportunities to further their artistic journeys. Simultaneously, they aim to cultivate a growing audience for diverse and traditional dance forms, ensuring that these beautiful art forms continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
As the literary and arts festival looks forward to its signature event of its eight edition on the 16th and 17th of November 2024 in the picturesque city of Dehradun. During this event, the finalists from Iti Nritya 2024 will be given the opportunity to present their extraordinary performances in front of a distinguished audience, including artists, patrons, and art enthusiasts from across the country. “We are confident that this event will not only celebrate the beauty and diversity of dance but also create lasting memories for everyone involved,” signs off Shalini Rao.
VoW looks forward to welcoming you all in November as they continue to honour and elevate the art of dance!
A workshop on the topic "Rational Prescription: From Theory to Practice" was organized for MBBS students at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant.
Dateline Dehradun: A workshop on the topic “Rational Prescription: From Theory to Practice” was organized for MBBS students at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Jollygrant. Sumit Mishra secured the first position in the event.
The program was organized by the Department of Pharmacology at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) under Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jollygrant, with the participation of 159 second-year MBBS students. The 10 most practical presentations were evaluated based on knowledge, communication, and critical thinking skills. Sumit Mishra secured the first position, Yashaswini Sinha the second, and Anshika Tandon the third.
The chief guest, HIMS Principal Dr. A.K. Deorari, addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based prescriptions in proper patient treatment. He highlighted the need to develop this essential skill among healthcare professionals.
Prior to this, certificates were jointly awarded to the winning participants by Dr. A.K. Deorari and Dr. Renu Dhasmana. Dr. Taruna Sharma, Head of the Department of Pharmacology, explained that the purpose of the competition was to focus on applying theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This involved interacting with patients at the hospital, identifying symptoms, and prescribing appropriate medication based on investigations, which was the basis for the judges’ evaluation. The panel of judges included Dr. Reshma Kaushik from Medicine, Dr. Rakhi Khanduri from Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Priyarajan Avinash from Psychiatry, Dr. Barnali Kakati from Microbiology, and Dr. Smita Chandra from Pathology.
Swami Rama Himalayan University student, shooter Shaurya Saini, has made his country proud yet again.
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jolly Grant’s student, shooter Shaurya Saini, has made his country proud yet again. At the World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 held in Germany, Shaurya took the honours and won a Gold Medal as well as a Silver Medal, in a crowning accomplishment.
There is a feeling of great happiness and jubilation amongst the SRHU fraternity with respect to Shaurya’s achievement. This feat represents his strength in overcoming all obstacles to conquer his dreams.
At the World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 held in Hanover, Germany, Shaurya set a world record by winning Gold in the 50-meter range with a score of 452.4, after initially standing in third position. Additionally, he secured a Silver Medal in the 10m Air Rifle (deaf category).
Shaurya shared that his aspirations have always been to participate in the Olympic Games and win a medal for his motherland.
SRHU has consistently bolstered and reinforced his efforts in realizing this dream. Not only has the University aided in his Olympic preparations, but has provided financial assistance of INR 400,000 for a new pistol and necessary equipment.
SRHU President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana has stated that comprehensive and integrated evolution of students is amongst the university’s core strengths. Shaurya has emerged as a figure of inspiration for the present generation, especially sports enthusiasts.It is our hope and desire that he bags a gold at the Olympics, and earns laurels for the university and India, he added.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal extolled Shaurya’s wins, and wished him success in the future.
Shaurya has previously bagged Bronze at the Deaf OlympicsIt may be recalled that Shaurya Saini, a paramedical student and shooter at SRHU, had earlier brought honor to India by winning a Bronze Medal at the Deaf Olympics in Brazil. He also won a Gold Medal at the 25th National Deaf Senior Sports Championship. Additionally, in 2023, he created a record by winning two Gold and one Silver Medal at the National Shooting Championship held in Delhi.
Dateline Dehradun: The Valley of Words (VoW) is thrilled to announce the winners of the VoW REC Book Awards 2024. The VoW Book Awards celebrate the power of storytelling and the profound impact of literature on society. This year’s winners, chosen from a diverse pool of entries, have been recognized for their exceptional ability to weave narratives that resonate deeply with readers, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Among the celebrated works is Zen by Shabnam Minwalla, a novel for Young Adults that intertwines the lives of two girls named Zainab from different eras, exploring political resistance and personal growth. Says Mandira Shah, the Jury for this category: “Its relevance to contemporary socio-political issues and its empowering message of standing up for one’s beliefs make it a standout choice.”
In the Children’s Literature category, The Chhau Champ by Vibha Batra tells the inspiring story of Shubha, a young girl breaking gender norms to pursue her passion for a traditionally male-dominated dance. As Achintyarup Ray, Jury, says: “This vibrant tale highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief, making it a delightful read for young audiences.”
Shivang Yadav
Manoj Mitta’s Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India is Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed’s choice in the English Non-fiction category for its incisive exploration of structural social dynamics in India: “The book’s thorough research and compelling narrative provide a critical examination of social justice, making it an essential read for understanding contemporary India’.”
Smriti Ravindra’s debut novel The Woman Who Climbed Trees, a poignant intergenerational exploration of a woman’s journey in the background of two countries’ fraught histories, has been chosen for the English Fiction category by Surekha Dangwal: “Its lyrical prose and the vivid portrayal of its characters offer a rich tapestry of personal and cultural histories.”
In the English Translation category, Truth/Untruth translated from Mahashweta Devi’s Bangla original by Anjum Katyal, brings a powerful narrative of class and urban exploitation to a wider audience. “The translation preserves the essence of the original, exploring themes of truth, morality, and societal hypocrisy.” says Lalit Kumar, Jury.
Amrita Bera’s choice as Jury for the Hindi Translation category is Ambar Pariya, translated by Subhash Nirav from Baljinder Nasrali’s original work in Punjabi: a book which captures the essence of a love story amidst social and familial tensions. The translation ensures that the story’s emotional depth and cultural nuances are preserved.
Uday Prakash’s Antim Nimbu has been selected in the Hindi Fiction category by Neelesh Raghuvanshi. This unique narrative delves into themes of scarcity and finality through innovative storytelling. “The stories of Uday Prakash in this book hold up a mirror to Indian society and Indian life as well as universal themes.”
Shabdon ke Sath Sath by Dr Suresh Pant, recognized in the Hindi Non-fiction category, is a comprehensive guide to the Hindi language. Says Laxmi Shankar Bajpai, Jury: “The book’s detailed analysis of linguistic challenges and its celebration of Hindi’s richness make it an invaluable resource for language enthusiasts and scholars.”
In its eighth year, the Valley of Words is proud to present these 8 selections of the finest contemporary literature being published in India today.
VoW and REC have joined hands to celebrate these exceptional works for their ability to inspire, educate, and transform. Festival Director Sanjeev Chopra placed on record sincere thanks to the CMD of REC Vivek Dewangan for his support and encouragement to VoW, as well as his appreciation for the Jury members for their painstaking efforts in reading all the longlisted books towards these final choices.
Present at the occasion were Chairperson Valley of Words, Rashmi Chopra, Founder Dr Sanjeev Chopra, Board of Governors Member: Ms Jyoti Dhawan (Curator of Iti Natya and Children’s Literature), Dr Rajendar Dobhal Curator (Science and Technology Vertical), Dr Sushil Upadhyay, Satish Sharma, Arun Pratap Singh, Nitin Gairola, Karan Dayal, , Bikram Singh Chief Accountant, Sachin Chauhan (Curator Hindi Vertical), Shalini Butola (EA to Sanjeev Chopra), Simerjit, Anjali Rana, Shivang Yadav (VoW Volunteers) and Dr Tania Saili Bakshi Programme Director of Valley of Words, Literature and Arts Festival, many others.
The author with her latest work: What's Wrong with Me?
Dateline Dehradun: Dehradun born and raised actor, anchor and now debut author, Prerna Panwar book entitled “What’s Wrong With Me?” has hit the stands. The 128 pages book is illustrated with doodles by the author herself. It has 14 chapters titled as ’14 life lessons’ learned by the author in her thirty summers on earth.
Talking to Newspost Prerna shares the idea behind her writing, “The idea for this book came to me in 2019 when I found myself asking, “What’s wrong with me?” A question many around me were asking themselves as well. In that moment, I felt compelled to write.” She further goes on to say, “When we face darkness, it often feels lonely—I know that feeling too well. My sole intention with this book is to reach out to those who feel isolated and vulnerable. While it’s common to share our success, few talk about the raw, real emotions. I want to remind everyone that they are not alone.”
It took the author years of obsessive thinking from scribbling down notes to what finally took the shape of a memoir. Every chapter ends on a positive note or a prayer magic as Prerna puts it. She effortlessly reveals the vulnerability that hides behind the bright lights of acting as Prerna gently takes the reader through her umpteen experiences, “This isn’t a story about red carpets- it’s a bare-knuckled fight for self- acceptance. Instead, its a journey of self-discovery, proving that the very questions that make us feel broken can be the key to unlock our greatest strength when you need it the most.”
Prerna Panwar’s “What’s wrong with me?” is for anyone who has felt lost, unseen, unheard, unwanted or just not good enough. It hold a light to the power within us to rewrite our story, to find the strength, love, and purpose one truly deserve’s. It’s a powerful reminder that you are not alone and at times rock bottom can be a spring board.
Woodstock School to host International Wellbeing Conference 2024
Dateline Mussoorie: Woodstock School, a leader in holistic education, proudly announces the inaugural International Wellbeing Conference 2024, themed “Wellbeing at Schools: Pathways to Flourish.” Taking place in the breathtaking hills of Mussoorie, this groundbreaking event to be held on September 27-28, 2024 marks a major milestone for Woodstock School, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in promoting holistic approaches to wellbeing in education.
The two-day conference will welcome 145 delegates from 73 schools across 17 Indian states, alongside a school from Nepal, bringing together a diverse group of 220 participants. This unique platform is designed to explore innovative strategies and frameworks that enhance student wellbeing, mental health, and emotional resilience in schools.
Participants, including educators, counselors, mental health professionals, and researchers, will benefit from an enriching lineup of keynotes and panel discussions. At the heart of the event is the goal to empower school communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to better support the mental health and wellbeing of the next generation. Woodstock’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation position it as a leader in sharing resources and fostering mental wellbeing, particularly at the grassroots level.
Binu Thomas, Head of Counseling at Woodstock School and the visionary behind the conference, emphasized: “The wellbeing of students is more important than ever. We are bringing together a diverse range of experts to collaborate and share insights on how schools can cultivate flourishing environments for all students. This is about building school communities that better support the mental health and wellbeing of the next generation.”
Alongside the educational focus, the conference also embraces Woodstock’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Local vendors, including a shoemaker, an HIV palliative care unit, and an autism support unit, will exhibit their products, directly benefiting from sales. To ensure inclusivity, Woodstock is offering free registration and accommodations for deserving participants, ensuring financial constraints do not prevent access to this valuable event.
In support of community impact, conference attendees will receive handcrafted bags made by women from Uttarakhand’s interior villages, supporting their livelihoods. Additionally, Woodstock remains committed to environmental sustainability, with most printed materials made from recycled paper and pens crafted from dried coconut leaves to minimize the event’s environmental footprint.
The conference will attract notable media attention, with Bollywood director-singer duo Vishal and Rekha Bharadwaj managing social media coverage. For more updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow along via social media, including this Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_dOJdwI_oo/?igsh=Y25yMTdpeGJucDdi.
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant has set yet another example in the field of energy conservation. A new 1000 kW rooftop solar plant has been installed, with the formal inauguration by Chairman Dr. Vijay Dhasmana. With this, the university’s total rooftop solar plant capacity has increased to 2500 kW.
According to a report, global carbon dioxide emissions are nearing pre-pandemic levels. SRHU Chairman Dr. Vijay Dhasmana said the main reason for this is the massive increase in electricity consumption in large institutions. Solar energy is the best option to reduce electricity consumption, as the sun has always been the most reliable source of energy.
First Step Taken in 2007
Dr. Dhasmana explained that the institution understands the importance of solar energy. A committee of experts was formed within the institute. In 2007, recognizing future needs, the first step toward energy conservation was taken. Solar water heater panels were installed in the Himalayan Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, and all the hostels.
First 500 kW Rooftop Solar Panel Installed in 2017
Dr. Dhasmana further mentioned that in 2017, the decision was made to join the National Solar Mission. Considering the 70% subsidy provided by the government for rooftop solar energy production in Himalayan states, the decision to install solar panels was made. A 500 kW rooftop solar panel was installed in the Nursing and Medical College.
82,19,330 kW (Units) of Electricity Saved
Dr. Dhasmana shared that since 2017, 2500 kW of solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of various buildings across the university campus. As a result, SRHU has saved 82,19,330 kW (units) of electricity so far.
Reduction of Approximately 5660 Tons of Carbon Emissions
Dr. Dhasmana added that the dangers of global warming are becoming evident, with carbon emissions being a major contributor. With the help of the 2500 kW rooftop solar panels, SRHU has reduced carbon emissions by 5660 tons, which is a record compared to any other institution in Uttarakhand.
16% of Electricity Needs Met by Solar Energy
Girish Uniyal, head of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department, mentioned that the institution has installed a 3500 kW power plant to meet its energy demands. Over the past three years, 16% of the institution’s electricity demand has been met by solar power.
Water Supply to Remote Villages via Solar Energy
Dr. Dhasmana shared that solar energy has also been used to supply water to remote villages in the mountains. In Churedhar village of Chamba, Tehri, water has been supplied to the village using a solar pumping plant.
CII conferred ‘Green Practices Award’
Dr. Dhasmana noted that for all these achievements, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently awarded the university the ‘Gold Award’ in the service category of ‘Green Practices’. The university has the distinction of being the first and only institution in North India to receive this honor in this category.
On the occasion of National Sports Day, a two-day inter-college football competition was organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University.
Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of National Sports Day, a two-day inter-college football competition was organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Jolly Grant. The MBBS students of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) secured victory in the boys’ category. The matches for the girls’ category will be held on August 30.
On Thursday, during the inter-college football competition organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Jolly Grant to mark National Sports Day, there was tremendous enthusiasm among the students. Teams from various colleges of the university participated in the event. The first match of the tournament was played between the Himalayan School of Science and Technology (HSST) and the Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences (HSYS), where HSST won by 1-0.
The second match was between the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) and the Himalayan School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (HSPS), with HIMS winning decisively by 4-0.
The third match saw a tough competition between the Himalayan School of Management Studies (HSMS) and the Himalayan School of Biosciences (HSBS), where HSMS emerged victorious with a 3-0 score.
The first semi-final was played between the Himalayan College of Nursing (HCN) and the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), where HIMS won by 2-0. The second semi-final was between HSST and HSMS, which ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout where HSMS won by 4-1.
In the final clash, both HIMS and HSMS teams displayed impressive performances, but ultimately, HIMS claimed the title with a 1-0 victory. Dr. Vineet Mehrotra informed that the matches for the girls’ category will be held on August 30. The competition was supported by Krishna Uniyal and Praneeta Raj Bamarada.
