Tributes Paid to Dr. YS Parmar on His Birth Anniversary

Rich tributes were paid today to the architect of modern Himachal Pradesh and the first Chief Minister of the state, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, on his birth anniversary at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. Marking the occasion, the university concluded its month-long Van Mahotsav plantation campaign.

The event commenced with Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university, along with university officers, faculty, and staff offering floral tributes to the visionary leader whose contributions were instrumental in securing full statehood for Himachal Pradesh.

Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research, welcomed the participants and highlighted the university’s commitment to increasing its green cover. He informed that 4,880 saplings were planted as part of departmental-level plantation drives conducted throughout the past month. 

To honour Dr. Parmar’s legacy, an additional 891 plants were planted on the occasion of his birth anniversary, bringing the total to 5,771 saplings planted across the university campus and its research stations.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Chandel lauded Dr. Parmar’s visionary role in the development of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry in Himachal Pradesh. He expressed pride that the university bears the name of such a farsighted leader and said that organizing the Van Mahotsav on his birth anniversary is a fitting homage to his enduring legacy.

“Dr. Parmar realized early on that the development of the farming sector in the hills could not rely on agriculture alone. By integrating horticulture and forestry, and promoting the cultivation of traditional crops, he laid the foundation for sustainable growth,” said Prof. Chandel. He urged the university’s scientists and staff to work diligently to carry forward Dr. Parmar’s vision and emphasized that development must always remain in harmony with nature.

Prof. Chandel further noted the university’s sustained efforts over the years to enhance its green cover. “We have focused on converting barren patches into green zones by planting native forest species, ornamental trees and fruit-bearing plants. This not only supports pollinators such as honeybees but also generates additional income through the sale of fruits,” he added.

As part of the concluding event, university students and staff participated in a plantation drive at the university’s model farm. The participants also engaged in Parthenium eradication as a part of the ecological restoration efforts.

In total, the month-long plantation campaign saw the plantation of 5,771 plants of 30 different species, reaffirming the university’s commitment to ecological conservation and environmental stewardship.