*Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Himanshu Aeran: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Are the Foundation of Sustainable Health and Future Economy*
*Dehradun:*
Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University (RBBSU), Dehradun, in collaboration with the Nature and Culture Development Foundation, successfully organized a plantation drive of medicinal and aromatic plants within the university campus in a dignified and inspiring atmosphere. The primary objective of the programme was to promote environmental awareness, enrich biodiversity, and encourage the conservation and cultivation of valuable plant resources.
The event was graced by Dr. Nirpendra Chauhan, Director of the Aromatic Plant Centre, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Yashvardhan, Trustee of MTV BR & Charitable Trust, attended as the Guest of Honour. The presence of the University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Himanshu Aeran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Desh Deepak, Registrar Mr. Khalid Hasan, Senior Scientist Dr. Vijay Bhatt from the Human Resource Development Institute, Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand, and Dr. Lalit Agarwal, Scientist at the Aromatic Plant Centre, added great dignity to the occasion.
The programme commenced with the plantation of medicinal and aromatic plants. On this occasion, speakers highlighted the scientific, medicinal, and economic importance of these plants, emphasizing that their conservation is the need of the hour.
In his keynote address, Dr. Vijay Bhatt stated that medicinal and aromatic plants form the backbone of traditional systems of medicine and are also vital resources for the modern pharmaceutical industry and rural livelihoods. He emphasized that scientific cultivation of these plants can significantly enhance farmers’ income, particularly in mountainous states like Uttarakhand.
Chief Guest Dr. Nirpendra Chauhan elaborated on the scientific and commercial potential of aromatic plants, noting their steadily increasing demand in the global market. He encouraged students to actively engage in research, conservation, and commercial cultivation of such plants and appreciated the Nature and Culture Development Foundation for its proactive role.
Mr. Yashvardhan, Trustee of MTV BR & Charitable Trust, praised the initiative and remarked that environmental protection cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. He emphasized the essential role of social institutions and educational organizations, highlighting community participation as the key to sustainable development.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Himanshu Aeran stated that medicinal and aromatic plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds, which play a crucial role in modern medicine, nutraceuticals, and AYUSH-based healthcare systems. He emphasized that conserving such plants is vital not only for ecological balance but also for establishing preventive healthcare and a sustainable health system.
He further noted that plantation of such species within the university campus would provide students with the experience of a “Living Laboratory,” enabling them to explore new opportunities in research and entrepreneurship. He described the initiative as a significant step toward academic excellence, social responsibility, and the development of a green campus.
This programme holds special significance in a biodiversity-rich state like Uttarakhand. The natural abundance of medicinal and aromatic plants in mountainous regions has the potential to provide a new direction to the state’s economy. Experts believe that with the collective efforts of academic institutions, research centres, and social organizations, Uttarakhand can emerge as a leading “Herbal Hub.”
For Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, this event was not merely a plantation drive but a strong expression of environmental consciousness, research-oriented education, and social engagement. The initiative has further strengthened the university’s identity as a green and innovation-driven institution.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Nishat Anjum, President of the Nature and Culture Development Foundation and Head of the Department of Chemistry, along with Mr. Digambar, expressed gratitude to the university administration, distinguished guests, faculty members, and students.
The event concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to promote environmental conservation and sustainable plantation efforts.