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Himalayan Hospital and RDI Jollygrant Launch Awareness Campaign on Autism

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On the occasion of Autism and World Health Day, Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant and Rural Development Institute (RDI) launched an awareness campaign

Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of Autism and World Health Day, Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant and Rural Development Institute (RDI) launched an awareness campaign. A painting competition for children suffering from Autism was organized at the hospital. Meanwhile, more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Autism by the doctors of the hospital in Bahadarabad Haridwar.

Addressing the awareness program on the occasion of Autism Day, Dr. Hem Chandra Joshi, Director of Health Services at Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant, stated that this year’s theme for Autism awareness is “Empowering Autistic Individuals”, aiming to provide more support and empowerment to children with this condition.

The Head of Pediatrics Department, Dr. Anil Rawat mentioned that such children start speaking late, repeat words, etc., thus it is essential to integrate autistic individuals into social activities. Senior Pediatrician Dr. Alpa Gupta answered questions related to Autism interacting with the parents. Dr. Nirul Pandita organized a painting competition for children suffering from Autism. All children were awarded. The program was made successful with the support of Dr. Jyoti Walia, Dr. Ashish Simlty, Dr. Sanobar Wasim, Dr. Nitika Agarwal, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Sonam Agarwal, Dr. Manju Kedarnath, and others.

RDI provided relevant information to more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Neelam Pandey, Program Officer at Rural Development Institute, mentioned that an awareness campaign on Autism was launched by Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant and Rural Development Institute (RDI). In this series, more than 60 ASHA and Anganwadi workers were informed about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Autism by the hospital’s doctors in Bahadarabad Haridwar.

Dr. Subodh Joshi, Health Superintendent of Bahadarabad, appreciated the awareness program. Dr. Anil Rawat, Dr. Nirul, Dr. Rakesh, Dr. Chandni, Ravindra Verma, Leela Uniyal, Seema, and Sheetal were present during this activity.

What is Autism?
Dr. Anil Rawat, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Himalayan Hospital Jollygrant, explained that awareness about Autism is extremely necessary. It is a neurological condition that begins in childhood, adversely affecting a child’s communication, imagination, and social interaction. In simple terms, children suffering from Autism have lesser brain development compared to other children. Pediatric specialist Dr. Rakesh Kumar at Himalayan Hospital mentioned that the absence of speech development, abnormal sensitivity, unusual hand or body movements, inability to play, lack of eye contact, not reacting to their name, inability to connect with others, and playing with toys in a peculiar way are some major symptoms indicating Autism. These should not be ignored at any cost.

Autism becoming a major health problem: Autism is becoming a significant challenge worldwide. The number of children suffering from Autism in India is continuously increasing. According to a study published in 2021, the estimated number of Autistic children in India could be about 1 in 68 children.

Mansi Gururani bags first position in the extempore competition held at SRHU

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Mansi Gururani bags first position in the extempore competition held at SRHU

Dateline Dehradun: In the extempore competition held at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Mansi secured the first position. Students showcased their excellent public speaking skills in the competition. The competition, held in the auditorium of the Engineering College on Thursday, saw great enthusiasm amongst the students. During the competition, the participating students presented their points effectively on the given topics. In the competition, Mansi Gururani from the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences secured the first place, Mansi Bajaj secured the second place, and Karuna Dean from the Himalayan College of Nursing secured the third place.

The winners were honored and awarded by the Vice Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, who also encouraged them to participate in such competitions in the future. He stated that in today’s competitive era, it is essential for students to inculcate skills like public speaking along with their studies. He also mentioned that organizing competitions like extempore not only develops the confidence of students but also enhances their knowledge on various topics.

Dr. Seema Madhok and Saurabh Verma from CPACE informed that students from the university’s colleges of Medical, Nursing, Engineering, Yoga Science, Bioscience, Management, and Pharmacy, totaling to 70, participated in the competition. The faculty of all colleges contributed to the successful conduct of the program.

‘Forensic Eye-2024’ workshop organized by the ‘Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology’

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Dateline Dehradun: The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) organized the ‘Forensic Eye-2024’ workshop with great fanfare. More than two hundred and fifty doctors and experts from across the country participated in this two-day workshop. During this period, discussions were held on changes in the field of forensic medicine and new cutting-edge technologies.

The ‘Forensic Eye-2024’ was organized at the Adi Kailash & Chaukhamba Auditorium of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant. The workshop was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp and offering floral tributes in front of the portrait of the founder Dr. Swami Rama.

During the opening session, the chief guest, President of SRHU, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, stated that medical science is incomplete without forensic science. Modern technology has given a new dimension to forensic science.The distinguished guest, Vice Chancellor SRHU Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, said that science and technology have expanded the field of forensic science. Dr. Dobhal shared his vision for the future of forensic medicine and toxicology in India.

Director (Academic Development) at SRHU, Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, mentioned that the techniques in forensic science have evolved over time. The purpose of such conferences is for doctors and experts associated with the field to share their experiences so that it benefits their juniors and students working in this area.The chairman of the organizing committee, Dr. Sanjay Das, mentioned that more than 150 doctors and experts have participated in the workshop. During the event, Registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan, Dr. Hemchandra, Dr. Pragya Tripathi, and Dr. Harivansh Singh were present.

Deliberations on Women Empowerment at SRHU

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Jollygrant- A two-day national workshop on the topic of ‘Women Empowerment through Science and Technology in Uttarakhand’ is being organized at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jollygrant. The workshop, held with the cooperation of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Uttarakhand Chapter, saw Pan-India participation from experts. Speakers discussed the critical role of science and technology in empowering women.

The workshop officially commenced on Friday at the seminar hall of Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences under SRHU’s Research Cell, with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in front of the portrait of founder Dr. Swami Rama. During the workshop, the Chief Guest Padma Bhushan and Chairperson of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Dr. Manju Sharma, emphasized the pivotal role of women in families. She said that women’s empowerment refers to enhancing women’s spiritual, political, social, or economic strength across various fields. Over the years, women have overcome traditional mindsets and achieved excellence in sectors like education, medicine, engineering, information technology, biotechnology, nuclear science, space science, and many distinct areas within science and technology.

Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, president of Swami Rama Himalayan University, who chaired the event, mentioned that respecting women is essential for a developed society. If science and technology are utilized correctly, women can become more empowered and self-reliant. Dr. Dhasmana highlighted that employment creation in villages experiencing depopulation could be supported through science and technology, as the local economy relies heavily on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism. Here, science and technology can play a significant role in empowerment.

The newly appointed President of the National Academy of Sciences, Uttarakhand Chapter, and Vice Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, welcomed all the guests, stating that the objective of women’s empowerment is being fulfilled through the development of science and technology.The special guest, Director General of Academic Development, Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, noted that women have always held a special status in families, a status that has evolved over time.

Special guest Dr. Paramjit Khurana outlined the program’s framework. Dr. Bindu De, director of the Research Cell, thanked all the attendees.The event was attended by the university registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan, principals, and faculty of all the university’s colleges. Dr. Nikku Yadav, Dr. Geeta Bhandari, Dr. Nupur Joshi, Dr. Praveen Tiwari, Dr. Vivek Kumar, Dr. Archana Dhasmana, Abhinav, Akanksha, and Dr. Prashant Singh from DAV College, along with students, contributed to the workshop’s organization.Speakers on the first day of the workshop Included Dr. Paramjit Khurana from Delhi University, Vice Principal of HIMS Dr. Renu Dhasmana, Dr. Meenu Gupta from the Cancer Research Institute, Dr. Durga Toshniwal from IIT Roorkee, Dr. Pratibha Jolly, Dr. Garima Gupta, Dr. Purnima Sharma, Prof. Ranjana Pathania, and Dr. Shofia Khan.

Experts to deliberate on Forensic Medicine and Women Empowerment at SRHU

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Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant.

DOIWALA- Experts working in the fields of Forensic Medicine and Women Empowerment from around the country and the world will gather at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant. The two-day national workshop is scheduled for the 29th and 30th of March.

Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Jolly Grant is organizing workshops on two different subjects. One is being organized by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) titled ‘Forensic I-2024’, and the other is a workshop on ‘Women Empowerment through Science and Technology in Uttarakhand’, organized by the Research Cell in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI).

Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University, will be  the Chief Guest at the event. Dr. Sanjay Das, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Forensic Medicine Conference mentioned that more than one hundred and fifty specialists and physicians from around the world are participating in the event.

Dr. Bindu Dey, Director of SRHU’s Research Cell, mentioned that the workshop will focuse on women empowerment and shall  be conducted in various phases. Dr. Manju Sharma, Former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India, will be the Chief Guest. Ten expert speakers will address the workshop.

Swami Hariharananda Public School to be made an ideal school – Dr. Vijay Dhasmana

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Dateline Satpuli- An important meeting of teachers was held at Swami Hariharananda Public School, run by Swami Rama Nishkama Karma Yog Trust in Malethi, Pauri Garhwal, regarding the new academic session. Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, the President of the Trust, directed all the school teachers in this regard. Dr. Vijay Dhasmana said that the overall development of the children studying in the school is our aim.

Swami Hariharananda Public School, which has established its identity in the field of school education on Dudharkhal Road, Malethi, has started its admission process. Regional parents have begun visiting the school for admissions from nursery to class 8. Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of the Swami Rama Nishkama Karma Yog Trust, held an important meeting with all the teachers and instructors regarding preparations for the new academic session. In the meeting, Dr. Dhasmana gave necessary directions related to the progress of the school.

Dr. Dhasmana emphasized focusing on activity-based education for the overall development of children, including increasing their participation in various educational activities like educational tours. Present at the meeting were teachers and instructors including Principal Neeru Keshtwal, Neetu Dhasmana, Krishna Bisht, Neelam, Praveen Dimri, Sachin, Ravindra Rawat, Rajesh Kumar, Sapna Rawat, Anoop Bisht, Sunita Dimri, etc.

For admissions, contact here
Principal Neeru Keshtwal announced that an admission helpline has been set up for Swami Hariharananda Public School. Interested candidates and parents can contact : 6396179935, 9997029590, 7906448453, 9759066700 and 01386-273522, 273550.

Key features of the school
-Best education and pollution-free environment for the holistic development of students.
-Special focus on moral education and Indian culture.
-Building equipped with all types of modern amenities.
-Modern furniture and music room arrangement
-Modern computer lab facilities
-Special training system through the internet.
-Transportation facility available for students to Dudharkhal and Jwalpa Devi.
-State-of-the-art labs and library facilities.
-A vast playground within the school premises, and facilities for indoor and outdoor sports activities.
-Proper arrangement for clean drinking water.
-Modern, clean, and excellent toilet facilities for boys and girls.
-Planned academic, cultural, and other programs throughout the year.
-Regular medical examinations for students.
-Proper arrangements for a meditation hall for the spiritual advancement of students.
-Regular yoga training for students.
-Guest house facility available for experienced staff from India and abroad.

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal Appointed NASI Uttarakhand Chapter Chairperson

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Dr. Rajendra Dobhal

Dehradun: Dr. (Prof.) Rajendra Dobhal, the Vice-Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, has been appointed as the President of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Uttarakhand Chapter.

Prof Ranjana Pathania , Department of Biotechnology, IIT Roorkee has been appointed as Secretary NASI.

Scientists of famous universities and central institutes of the country have been included in the advisory boards. Dr. Dobhal’s leadership of the NASI Uttarakhand Chapter will benefit various scientists in the state across different scientific disciplines. The National Science Academy works to establish coordination between government research institutions, departments and scientists, so that the new research being done in the country can be put to maximum use in public interest.

Prior to this, Dr. Dobhal served as the Director of the Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) under the Uttarakhand government. He has also worked as the Managing Director at the National Research Development Corporation, Government of India. Dr. Dobhal has contributed to numerous significant research works, with 15 books, 45 technical reports, and 175 research papers published under his name. He has been honored with several awards for his research contributions.

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal said that the Advisory Board of Uttarakhand Chapter includes Dr. Talath Ahmed, Chairman of Governing Body of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dr. Kalachand Sai, Director of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of NRHA, Dr. Advisor of SHRU. Chandrashekhar Nautiyal and six other experts.

SRHU President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana expressed happiness over the appointment of Dr. Dobhal as the President of NASI, calling it a matter of great pride for the institute as well.

Swami Rama Himalayan University sets shining example in water conservation

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SRHU

Dateline Dehradun: The ‘Bhagirath’ effort of Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT), a sponsored institution of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant, for water supply and conservation continues. For the past 26 years, it has expanded the water and sanitation campaign to more than 550 remote hill villages and 31 states including Union Territories.

Additionally, in the university campus, 10 recharge pits with a capacity of 2.5 lakh liters and 2 borewell recharges have been constructed for water conservation and groundwater replenishment. The university has set a unique example in water conservation by constructing a rainwater harvesting tank with a capacity of 1.5 lakh liters for toilets in various faculties and an STP with a daily capacity of 10 lakh liters.

Formation of Watson 26 Years Ago
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University, mentioned that it’s a good sign that many institutions are now understanding the importance of water. However, our institution had already established a separate Water and Sanitation (Watson) department in 1998, nearly 26 years ago. Since then, the Watson team has been providing drinking water to hundreds of remote villages in Uttarakhand and conducting capacity building programs in different states.

HIHT is the Main Resource Centre and Sector Partner with the Ministry of Jal Shakti
President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana mentioned that the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, has named HIHT as the sector partner and the key resource center (K.R.C.) for the National Jal Jeevan Mission’s ‘Har Ghar Jal Scheme’. This is not the result of a day or month’s effort but years of excellent efforts in the field of drinking water by the HIHT team.

12 Rain Water Harvesting Recharge Pits Created
President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana revealed that currently, 12 rainwater harvesting recharge pits have been created in the SRHU campus for the conservation of rainwater. These recharge pits have numerous benefits, allowing rainwater to easily seep into the ground, thus maintaining the groundwater level.

Patent for Direct Injection Technique for Recharging Dried Handpumps and Water Source Augmentation
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, the university president, informed that an innovative ‘Direct Injection’ technique for the use of rainwater for the recharge of dried handpumps and water source augmentation has been patented. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting tank with a capacity of 1.5 lakh liters for toilets has been constructed in various faculties of the university, designed to supply water throughout the year for 365 days.

7787 Participants from 31 States Trained on Jal Jeevan Mission
Advisor Prof. H.P. Uniyal mentioned that SRHU experts, as the main resource center (K.R.C.) for the Government of India, have been training public health engineers, state government officials, and panchayats/water committees in their respective states across 31 states (from Jammu & Kashmir to Kerala, Lakshadweep to Andaman & Nicobar, Sikkim to Gujarat). So far, 7787 participants have been trained on various water-related topics through 163 training programs. This year, the goal is to train approximately 5000 participants.

10 Lakh Liters of Water Recycled Daily
Prof. H.P. Uniyal informed that the capacity of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) constructed in the SRHU campus has been increased. Through this plant, 10 lakh liters of water are now purified daily. The treated water is reused for irrigation and gardening within the campus.

Millions of Liters of Water Saved Annually with Waterless Urinals
Deputy Director Nitesh Kaushik mentioned another effective initiative for water conservation. The university’s public toilets are being equipped with waterless urinals made with state-of-the-art technology. So far, more than 100 waterless urinals have been installed in the initial phase. In the future, such waterless urinals will be installed in all public toilets across the campus. From a sanitation perspective, this is also better. Normally, we save about 1.50 lakh liters of water per year from being wasted per urinal.

Received ‘Green Practices Award’ from CII
President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana said that for all these achievements the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) honoured the university with the ‘Gold Award’ in the service category of the ‘Green Practices Award’. It has also achieved the distinction of being the first and only institute of North India in this category.

A ‘Strapless Facemask’ earns a patent for Swami Rama Himalayan University

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Dateline Dehradun : A “STRAPLESS FACEMASK” has earned a patent for the research team at Swami Rama Himalayan University.  Third patent in a row within months.

The ‘strapless facemask’ comprises a fabric structure with two layers, separated from one another. The fabric could be of woven or non-woven fabric. This has been designed to prevent passage of infectious elements through it such as virus, bacteria and dust.  The fabric structure is machined into a shape that enables easy symmetrical folding.
A metallic wire (that can be selected from a list comprising of Spring Steel, alloy Steel, carbon Steel Cobalt-Nickel, Copper Base) has been placed  between the two layers of the fabric. The fabric structure is stitched around  the metallic wire to facilitate in providing a structural stability to the facemask. Two flaps have been coupled to two flaring  ends of the facemask. The two flaps are configured to fit over a wearer’s ear, thereby securing the facemask over the wearer’s mouth and nose. Structural stability provided to the mask due to the metallic wire provides better fitting, and negates requirement of a strap.
Third patent in a row within months
Masks which have straps to loop around the ears cause irritability or discomfort and pressure at the back of the ears  for extended time users. Also they leave gaps that allow unfiltered air to enter in or out of the users mouths. During the Covid 19 crisis, wearing facemasks had become an essential precaution to keep one safe from the infection.
On an average people were reduced to wearing masks for 10 to 12 hours per day. And in general every mask which they were getting from the market, had the provision of straps, which had to be supported with straps that were uncomfortable or irritable.Therefore, need was felt for portable oxygen generating devices that could overcome shortcomings or provide solutions and techniques, which could be robust, portable, efficient, cost-effective.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is made of strapless material (polyester) that is light in weight. It fits the face closely as it has the capability of being sealed tightly to the wearer’s facial contours. It does not create facial trauma. It is washable and reusable. It will be more convenient for long term usage.
Sending a round of applause for the research team, the President of SRHU Dr Vijay Dhasmana states, ”I congratulate the team for this valuable work and their creative minds. This will add another chapter to our world of awesome success stories. There can be no better work than public service and this invention will be highly useful for the masses.”
VC Dr Rajendra Dobhal avers, “I am proud of the entire team. I wish them continued success.”

‘Making Molehills of Mountains: Demystifying Disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’ released By SDC Foundation

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Book launch of Making Molehills of Mountains : Demystifying Disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand by SDC Foundation

Dateline Dehradun: The book ‘Making Molehills of Mountains: Demystifying disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’, published by Dehradun-based environmental action and advocacy group SDC Foundation, was released at Doon Library and Research Centre, on Sunday. The event marked the presence of climate and environment writers and thinkers, who spoke on Uttarakhand;s environmental concerns, climate change, sustainable development and government policies related to development and environment.

Edited by SDC Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal and Lead-Research and Documentation Prerna Raturi, the book is a compilation of articles contributed by 14 authors on challenges that Uttarakhand faces.The book has a message by Governor Uttarakhand Lt Gen. Gurmit Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Rtd), and a foreword by Dr B K Joshi, Advisor and Founder Director Doon Library and Research Centre.

‘Making Molehills of Mountains: Demystifying disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.’

The articles include those from SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra; Executive Director at Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority Dr Piyoosh Rautela; environmental law consultant and advocate Archana Vaidya and lawyer Vikram Hegde; surgeon and professor of trauma surgery and critical care at AIIMS Rishikesh Dr Madhur Uniyal; Professor of Environmental Science Dr SP Sati; author, activist and anthropologist Dr Lokesh Ohri; advocate-activist Mr Abhijay Negi; green climate and human rights activist Snigdha Tiwari; climate and land reporter Vaishnavi Rathore; founder member of Ganga Ahvaan Priyadarshini Patel; former director CSIR-IIP Dr Anjan Ray; and PhD scholar Mr Ramesh Goswami.

There are four human stories of Jyoti Semwal, a Kedarnath widow; Anita Kanwal, a woman living in a village near the Sitlakhet forest, and who along with several people has vowed to protect the forest from fires and people; Gabbar Singh, the foreman who was trapped with 40 other men in the Silkyara tunnel mishap; and Pramod Singh Rawat, inspector, SDRF.

The 12 SDC Uttarakhand Disaster and Accident Analysis Initiative (UDAAI) monthly reports for 2023 were analysed by well-known geologist Dr YP Sundriyal; CSIR senior research fellow Dr Jyotsna Dubey; and senior scientist from Physical Research Laboratory Dr Navin Juyal.

Geologist Dr Y P Sundriyal called the book an important document because the data published in the book can play an important role not only in planning but also in research. Dr. Piyoosh Rautela of USDMA talked about how people never built houses in agricultural land and were constructed at a height. “Later, as the population increased, people started settling in places sensitive to landslides,” he said. Citing the example of Joshimath, he said the biggest problem is drainage.

Geologist Dr SP Sati questioned the development model for Uttarakhand. He remarked how instead of taking important research into account while formulating plans, policy makers look down upon such research. Referring to unprecedented weather-related events in recent years, he said that earlier where there was less rain, it is now getting more torrential.

Advocates Snigdha Tiwari and Abhijay Negi, who represent various environmental issues including Joshimath in the Nainital High Court, said that the governments need to pay heed to the reports of experts; instead, efforts are being made to keep them away from the common people.

Ramesh Goswami, a PhD scholar in the field of environment, said that there is a need for coordination between development and environment. He stressed on the need for development with minimum damage to the environment.

Anoop Nautiyal of SDC Foundation said that this book has been dedicated to the 29 young mountaineers who died in the Draupadi Ka Danda II mountaineering expedition on 4 October 2022. He said that since this incident, SDC Foundation started the process of preparing monthly reports on major disasters and accidents. So far, the foundation has released 16 such reports.

The program was conducted by Prerna Raturi. Among the people present in large numbers on this occasion included former Chief Secretaries NS Napalchyal and Indu Pandey, former Secretary Govt of India Vibha Puri Das, WII scientist Dr. DS Rawat, Dr. PS Negi of Wadia Institute, Major Jan. Anand Rawat (Retired), Ajay Kothiyal, Tania Saili and many others.