National Seminar on “Save the Himalayas – Sustainable Development Challenges in the Face of Climate Change”Organised by: Molyar Resource Foundation on 8th October 2025
A seminar was held with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the
beginning of an enlightening discussion on sustainability and environment protection in Dehradun the other day.
Durga Singh Bhandari,Chief Coordinator and Peridhi Bhandari Chairperson of Molyar Resource Foundation extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, a renowned environmentalist and recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, Kalyan Singh Rawat, Renowned environmentalist, Padma Shri Awardee & Founder Maiti Movement, Shri Bhupinder Singh Arora CEO BFIT college & Guru Nanak College Dehradun, Prof Rajendra
Singh Negi Head Department of Rural Technology & Director Chauras Campus HNB
Garhwal University Srinagar Garhwal, Manoj Barthwal Former Executive Director ONGC & Member – Board of Governors of University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Sudhir Kumar
Sundriyal , Environmentalist & Social Activist, Founder Bhalu Lagad ( Feel Good )
Charitable Trust & former Journalist, Writer and Environmentalist, Dr Lakshmi Priya
Vinjamuri, Prof. of Law in Uttaranchal Law University Multifaceted and multidisciplinary professional. Bhupinder Singh Arora CEO of Guru Nanak College & BFIT welcomed the Chief Guest & other dignitaries praising the efforts of Dr Anil Joshi and Kalyan Singh Rawat for their untiring efforts for environment protection.
A presentation was delivered by Mr. Durga Singh Bhandari, highlighting the aims,
objectives, and key activities of the Molyar Resource Foundation.
The presentation emphasized the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving the
lives of vulnerable communities and raising awareness about pressing social and
environmental challenges, with a vision to build a more just, equitable, and
sustainable society.
The event featured several prominent speakers who addressed the root causes,
impacts and potential solutions for climate change, with a particular focus on the
Himalayan region.
Dr. Anil Praksh Joshi , in his address as Chief Guest, strongly emphasized the need
to identify rood causes of climate change.
He highlighted that most of these
challenges are human-induced including excessive use of fossil fuels, widespread
deforestation, Unregulated tourism and unplanned infrastructure development.
He pointed out that residents of big cities are significant sources of pollution and are
ultimately liable for driving climate change.
Stressing the vital need for greater
awareness campaigns at both national and international levels. Mr. Kalyan Singh Rawat provided a clear and well articulated framework of pathways to combat the effects of climate change in the Himalayan region,
emphasizing actionable steps at both the individual and community level.
Dr R.S.Negi , Head of the Department of Rural Technology at HNB Garhwal
University, detailed the reasons behind extreme climatic events in the Himalayas
underscoring the immense utility of technology in sector like agriculture, livestock and Horticulture to help rural communities adopt climate-resilient technologies and sustain their livelihoods.
Sundriyal made a powerful appeal to the audience, urging everyone to plant at least 30 fruit trees. This would produce enough oxygen to offset the amount they would consume over their entire lifespan and at the same time after some years it would generate income also.
Prof Priya, a Professor of Law who is also a social activist , elaborated on the dire
effects of climate change on the Himalayas. She stressed the critical need for
community awareness and participation to effectively tackle the socio-economic
challenges posed by the climate crisis.
Manoj Barthwal skilfully mentored and articulated the panel discussion,
advocating for a balanced approach to development. He emphasized that as a
developing nation, India requires growth to fulfil the aspirations of its youth, but this must be achieved by simultaneously adopting free fuel and technologies to protect the environment.
Madhvender Singh, a native of Harsil Uttarkashi, provided a crucial on the
ground perspective. He described the situation in Dharali and Hasil before the flash floods of August5,2025 and compared it with the current realities.
He also raised genuine local problems that require immediate intervention by the government.
Durga Singh Bhandari concluded the event by extending his thanks to all the guests, speakers, college faculty, staff and students for their support and active participation.
