Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has stressed on the need to create a Himalayan grid to solve the problems of the Himalayan States. The Governor was speaking while inaugurating the three-day HIM Samvaad- “Trans Himalayan Conference on Localised Solutions and Implementation Strategy” organized at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan today. The program was being organized under the joint aegis of Nauni University, Sewa International, Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana and Indian Ecological Society. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that the Himalayan region has its own problems which need to be solved together. He said that the Himalayan Grid could be considered on the same lines as the Coastal Guard Grid has been made for the coastal regions. He said that he has also put this matter before the Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. He said that HIM Samvaad was an effective platform of thought which could play an important role in this direction. The Governor said that natural calamities like landslides in the Himalayan regions could be solved through such effective platforms. He also appreciated the efforts of Sewa International in this direction.
He said that the youth power could provide solutions to many problems, but for this we need to change our approach. He hoped that after 25 years of Amrit Kaal, India would become Vishwa Guru and we were moving forward in this direction. “The youth of the country can make this possible. We have to move forward with the belief that after 25 years, India will be a Sone Ka Sher.” Vice Chancellor, University of Horticulture and Forestry Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel honoured and welcomed the Governor and said that the recent development in the transformation from industry based agriculture to Natural Farming has shown a potential to be a strong livelihood resource for Himalayan farming communities. He said that this methodology provides strength to the whole ecosystem, water, soil, biodiversity, nutrition and ensures the well-being of the whole farming community in Himalayan region. He added that natural farming would be a common theme in all the sessions. He also briefed HIM Samvaad and said that through this platform it would be helpful in integrating Himalayan region. Keynote speaker Shyam Parande said that the rivers originating from the Himalayas irrigated the whole country and the idea and thoughts of this region has influenced the whole world.
He said that the Himalayas support 40 percent of the world’s population and that’s why we think about the whole world. “We gave Yoga and Ayurveda to the world. We have given the culture and rituals here and Today, India can show the path of peace to the world as we think selflessly”, said Parande. Special Guest of the Conference Padamsree Kanwal Singh Chauhan said that natural farming was more important for Himalayan region and urged the farming community to adopt natural farming wholeheartedly. He said that we should preserve our chemical free traditional seeds. He also underlined the importance of plastic waste management and urged the people not to use plastic in Himalayan region. Executive Director, Sewa International Abhishek said that Himalaya was a life line and essential for our existence. He said that HIM Samvaad was such a platform of thought which was playing an important role in the development of the Himalayan region. Dr. Inder Dev, Director Extension, UHF, Nauni proposed a vote of thanks. Kritika Kulhari, Deputy Commissioner Solan and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
