Seminar on “Sustainable Development in the Himalayas organised at Constitution Club,New Delhi

New Delhi, 21 December 2025:

Molyar Resource Foundation organised an International Seminar on “Sustainable
Development in the Himalayas: A People-Centric Approach” on 21 December 2025 at the
Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The seminar brought together policymakers,
academicians, environmentalist, social leaders and media professionals to deliberate on the challenges and future roadmap for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

The dignitaries on the dais included Dr. Bhim Singh, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Rajendra Singh, Member & Head of Department, National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) and former Director General of the Indian Coast Guard; Prof. Prakash
Chand Kandpal, ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, University of Southampton (UK); Pujyashri Arun Yogi Maharaj, Kumar Hrishikesh, IRS; Prof. P. K. Joshi, Professor of Environmental Science, JNU; and Durga Singh Bhandari, Chief coordinator, Moulyar Resource Foundation.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the
felicitation of the guests.

In his welcome address, the organiser Durga Singh Bhandari highlighted the
ecological significance of the Himalayas, emerging challenges, and the need for people’s participation in sustainable development.

He proposed the J-4 approach — Jal, Jamin,
Jungle and Jan (Water, Land, Forest and People) — as a holistic framework and approach to protect
and preserve the Himalayas.

Addressing the gathering NDMA member and former DG Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh elaborated on the Government of India’s
efforts to mitigate natural and man-made disasters and achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. Dr. Bhim Singh, MP, spoke on India’s initiatives in green energy and sustainable development alongside economic growth, and urged academicians, researchers and environmental activists to share grassroots-level issues and solutions for policy intervention.

During the seminar, the Himalayan Gaurav Samman, instituted by Moulyar Resource
Foundation, was conferred upon distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions:

Prof. Prakash Chand Kandpal, ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, University of
Southampton (UK), for his dedication to academic excellence, mentorship and
societal transformation. Prof. Sabu Padmadas, Professor of Global Health & Demography, University of
Southampton (UK), for translating scientific knowledge into meaningful action in
public health and sustainable development.
Dr. Harpal Singh Negi, Environmentalist, for his lifelong commitment to social
transformation and sustainable development in the Garhwal Himalayas. Asheet Kunal, Editor-in-Chief & CEO, India Voice, for his outstanding contribution to Indian journalism and mass media. Chandan Singh Nayal, for pioneering work in environmental protection through plantation, water conservation and forest fire prevention in Nainital district.

In his keynote address, Prof. P. K. Joshi emphasised livelihood-centric sustainability,advocating that local communities must be treated as primary stakeholders in development projects. He called for rethinking tourism from volume to value and highlighted the critical
role of youth and women, along with the integration of indigenous knowledge and modern technology.
Pujyashri Arun Yogi Maharaj spoke on the spiritual, cultural and ecological importance of the Himalayas, stressing the need for education for children and healthcare support for the elderly in hill regions. He also shared the social initiatives of Manav Mandir in education and
elderly care.
Prof. Prakash Chand Kandpal, in his address, highlighted his work with Himalayan
communities and underlined the importance of balancing public welfare and economic
aspirations with ecological well-being.

The seminar was efficiently coordinated by Shri Ravi Prakash, Research Scholar, JNU,
along with his team. Shri Vivek Vaishnavi and Ms. Ashmita Sharma anchored the
programme. Participants included students,academicians from JNU and Delhi University,environmentalist, scholars and entrepreneurs from India and Nepal.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Abhishek Mishra, Founder, FOSO.