Dehradun: Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) inaugurated the three-day global conference ‘Himalaya Calling 2025’ at UPES,Dehradun organized by the Himalayan Institute for Learning and Leadership (HILL). Three-day conference is dedicated to the cultural, environmental, and intellectual heritage of the Himalayas, bringing together thinkers and environmentalists from India and abroad to engage in reflection and discussion. On this occasion, the Governor also visited an exhibition on Himalayan products set up on the campus.
Inaugurating the conference, the Governor said that the preservation of the Himalayas is essential for the welfare of humanity and nature. He noted that nature is repeatedly warning us—sometimes through floods and cloudbursts, and at other times through rising temperatures and pollution. These are signals that the neglect of water, forests, and land is becoming a crisis for humanity.
He emphasized that indiscriminate deforestation, pollution of rivers, and the expansion of concrete jungles are raising questions about our very existence. “We must understand that what nature has given us must be allowed to stay where it belongs,” he said. “We all need to heed this warning and take action through tree plantation, water conservation, and efforts toward maintaining environmental balance.”
The Governor remarked that ‘Himalaya Calling’ symbolizes our collective commitment to the protection and preservation of the Himalayas. He added that the Himalayas are the guardians of both our land and our soul. Applauding the initiative by UPES, he said the platform is bringing together scientists, policymakers, students, and various communities to seek sustainable solutions.
He said the Himalayas are not just mountains, but lifelines. Their unique geographical conditions call for research and study. On a global scale, efforts to understand and protect the Himalayas are now the need of the hour. Therefore, protecting the Himalayas is a shared responsibility of humanity in the journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, UPES Vice Chancellor Dr. Ram Sharma said, *“Himalaya Calling is a living classroom where scientists, innovators, artists, policymakers, and communities come together to translate research into action and advance the goals of sustainable development. We are proud that UPES is guiding this initiative and preparing our students for purposeful leadership.”*
UPES Chairman Prof. Sunil Rai welcomed all the attendees at the conference.
Dr. J.K. Pandey, Director of HILL, said, *“This year, our focus is on a solution-oriented approach. We are connecting research with community knowledge, showcasing Himalayan products and photography, and establishing the foundation for long-term collaborations through roundtable dialogues. Our aim is to help the youth understand that the Himalayas are not a problem, but a companion that must be respected and rejuvenated.”*
