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.
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.
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.”
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.
World Glaucoma Week is being observed at Himalayan Hospital, Jollygrant. During this period, information about the symptoms and treatment of this condition is being provided to the visitors.
World Glaucoma Week is being observed at Himalayan Hospital, Jollygrant. During this period, information about the symptoms and treatment of this condition is being provided to the visitors.
On Saturday, an awareness program organized by the Ophthalmology Department had paramedical science students present information about the symptoms and identification of black cataract (glaucoma) through a play. They also encouraged seeking medical advice and treatment if symptoms appear.
Speaking on this occasion, the head of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr. Renu Dhasmana, stated that black cataract is also known as glaucoma. Symptoms include severe pain in the eyes and head, weakened vision or blurriness, red eyes, colored rings around lights, nausea, and vomiting. She mentioned that glaucoma can significantly damage our optic nerves due to pressure. It was noted that if a family member has glaucoma, other members are at a higher risk. People over 40 should have an eye examination by an ophthalmologist once a year. Even if no family member has glaucoma, an eye check-up every two years is advisable. Since there isn’t a single test for glaucoma detection, multiple tests are conducted. Confirmation of glaucoma is based on test reports, including eye pressure, angle, field of vision, and optic nerve examination. Once glaucoma causes damage to the eyes, it cannot be reversed, only halted, making timely examination crucial.
Dr. Sukhdeep Bains, Neelam Tiwari, Manoj Verma, Surendra Singh Bhandari, Subodh Gupta, and Manoj Kumar were present at the event.
A seminar on Uttarakhand Neonatology Society was organized in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, Himalayan Hospital.
Dateline Dehradun: A meeting and seminar of Uttarakhand Neonatology Society was organized in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, Himalayan Hospital, Jolly Grant. 45 doctors participated in the program.
Prof. Ashok Deorari, Principal of Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences and Patron of the Society, shared his views regarding the improvement in neonatal mortality rate in Uttarakhand. The current President of Uttarakhand Neonatology Society, Prof. Sriparna Basu informed the members about the work done so far. Subsequently, DM and fellow residents of the Department of Neonatology of Himalayan Hospital and Graphic Era discussed about the newborn babies suffering from two serious diseases. In this, Prof. Sriparna Basu, Prof. Anil Rawat, Prof. Alpa Gupta and Prof. Vyas Rathore discussed important points as experts. Secretary Dr. Rakesh Kumar congratulated Prof. Basu for the successful completion of his tenure and welcomed Dr. Vipin Vaish as the new president. Dr. Vaish presented the outline of the future program of the Society. He assured that he intends to work for the better health of newborn babies in remote areas with the participation of nurses and gynaecologists.
In the program conducted by Prof. Ashok Deorari, Prof. Anil Rawat, Head of the Children’s Department of Himalayan Hospital, was nominated as the President of Uttarakhand Neonatology Society for the year 2025. This kind of educational activity makes the participants, especially the resident doctors, aware of some of the special and complex problems of newborn babies.
The program was conducted by Dr. Sonam Aggarwal and Dr. Neerul Pandita. About 45 people including other members Dr. Sanobar Wasim, Dr. Jyoti Walia, Dr. Ashish Simalti, Dr. Saikat Patra, Dr. Chinmay Chetan, Dr. Shantanu Shubham, Dr. Moiz, Dr. Mayank Dr. Poonam participated in the program.
MoU signed between Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, and ISTD
Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, and the Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD) Dehradun branch will now work in better coordination with the industrial sector. An MoU was signed between the two institutions.
Under the guidance of the President of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jolly Grant, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijlwan, and ISTD Dehradun Chairman Anoop Kumar signed the MoU.
On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal stated, “this MoU is an important step towards better coordination and collaborative efforts with the industry sector. Through this, students will get opportunities to bridge the gap between the industry and academic worlds through seminars, workshops, and industrial training.”
Registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijlwan mentioned, “this agreement, the industrial sector could benefit from the expertise and knowledge of the university’s faculty members, which will not only improve the quality and efficiency of the industry but also inspire new directions in teaching and research activities. This will establish a deep and meaningful cooperation between the two institutions in the field of research and development, aiding in the discovery of new technologies and solutions.”
The program was coordinated by Dr. Apurv Trivedi. On this occasion, from ISTD, Dinesh Sharma, Dr. Avinash Chandra Joshi, Soumya Beniwal, Dr. Bindu Dey, Dr. Amjad Hussain, Dr. Mohit Verma, Prateek Dhyani were present.
Dateline Dehradun: The vibrant culmination of the three-day foundation day celebration ‘Himotsav-2024’ took place at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant. The last evening of the ceremony appeared as a grand celebration of Uttarakhand’s folk music. The explosive performance by the ‘Pandavaas’ band won the hearts of the crowd present.
On Wednesday, ‘Himotsav-2024’ at SRHU was inaugurated by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in front of the portrait of the founder Dr. Swami Rama by President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal and Dr. Vijendra Chauhan. President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana honored all members of the ‘Pandavaas” team with mementos.
‘Pandavaas’ band set the mood of the cultural evening with hymns based on the local culture and Kedarnath Dham. Subsequently, they delivered one outstanding performance after another. The audience was seen swaying along with the tunes played by the Pandavaas band. The fusion version of Pandavaas’s Jaagar brought to life the tales of Aachriyaan and Jeetu Bagdwal.
During this time, Pandavaas increased the heartbeat of the audience with their songs from the Time Machine series, including Ghughuti and Samloun, besides other performances. The event concluded amidst loud music, students’ fervent demands for “once more,” and the overwhelming response from the audience.
The Pandavaas team included Rakesh, Anirudh, Shresth, Deepak, Gaurav, Sushant, Ishaan, Shivani, Anjali, Rashi, Rajdeep on stage, and Salil, Kunal, Rishi, Navdeep, Lokesh, Saurav backstage. The audience applauded the artists’ talent. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Jyoti Dwivedi. During the event, Dr. Renu Dhasmana, Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan, along with all the college principals, faculty, staff, and students were present.
“Our effort is to ensure that the youth studying at Swami Rama Himalayan University do not forget their culture and roots. We organize events like Phooldei and Harela festivals from time to time at the university for this purpose. Our objective behind Pandavaas’s performance is to acquaint the younger generation with our folk culture. We are happy and proud that the ‘Himotsav’ event was successful in this purpose.” – Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant
A large crowd was seen at the entry gate
A large number of people were seen outside the event venue. There was a long queue at the entry gate. Considering the crowd, strict security arrangements were made. People, impatient to enter the venue, were requesting the volunteers in the hill language. In this queue were also the enthusiastic youth of Uttarakhand, who started setting the ambience right from outside the gate. Some came with their grandparents, while others brought their children to give them a glimpse of Uttarakhand’s heritage.
Dateline Bageshwar: Born in Lakhni village Bageshwar, Kumaoni folk singer Kamla Devi, has taken Uttarakhand’s epic love story Rajula Malushahi to the 2nd Season of Coke Studio Bharat.
Self-taught Kamla learnt vocals at the age of seven when she accompanied her doting father Bir Ram, a traditional bard as he travelled from village to village singing laurels of Rajula Malushahi, Chapeli, Jagar, Neyoli, Hurkiya Boul (sung during sowing), Maangal (during weddings), Dhora Chachari during festivities.
Married off at an early age, Kamla the mother of three sons and a daughter, never gave up on her talent. She continued to sing at local events and festivities. In 2005 she took part in Nainital Autumn Festival and since then, there has been no stage too big for her. She has given umpteen live-concerts at various Fests held in Nainital, Banbassa, Dehradun and has her own dedicated YouTube channel ‘Kamla Devi Lokgayika.’
Recently returned from her stint in Mumbai. She tells Newspost about her all-time favourite song Rajula Malushahi, “It’s a three-hour love song which my father used to sing during wedding festivities. I learnt to sing and play the hurka along with the song as a seven-year-old. This song has given me name and fame. The Coke Studio version of the song will be launched two months from now and am sure it will be a hit!”
Talking about her Mumbai experience, Kamla reminisces, “It was a very different experience, yet unforgettable. I was at the venue from 9 am to almost midnight shooting with Singers Neha Kakkar and Digvijay.” She further adds, “The stage resembled our home in the hills, complete with Aipan and women working in the farm, it was as if the hills had come to Mumbai.”
While none of her children took to carrying forward this oral tradition, Kamla has kept the guru-shishya tradition alive by passing on her passion for Kumaoni folk art to her grand-daughter along with five other children living in her vicinity, ensuring that the musical folklore of warrior queen Rajula and her prince Malushahi resonate in their homestate, forever.
Dateline Dehradun: The evening of the second day of the Foundation Day celebration ‘Himotsav-2024’ at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jolly Grant was also seen in the colors of Indian folk culture.
The cultural evening of the second day of the Himotsav at SRHU was inaugurated by lighting of the ceremonial lamp in front of the portrait of founder Dr. Swami Rama by President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Academic Director Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, and Registrar Dr. Mukesh Bijalwan.
Close to three-hour-long ceremony showcased a blend of various Indian cultures including Garhwali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, etc. The ceremony began with a grand Garhwali Jagar performance by the Harshita group of Physiotherapy students. Following this, the Tanya group from the Nursing College added a Bollywood flavor. The Ayushi group from the Yoga College spread the colors of Marathi culture. The Swati group from Paramedical and the Hema group from Nursing compelled everyone to dance to Garhwali songs. The Jahnavi group from the Himalayan School of Science & Technology and the Mahak group from the Management College gave an excellent performance of Gujarati dance. Pranchal and Sumit from the Yoga College showcased glimpses of yoga asanas. The retro medley presentation by the Abhyuday group from BSc Nursing received a lot of applause. The festival’s second day ended on a high note with a memorable performance by Sakshi Kala.
Solo Song and Dance- Performances were given by Jay Semwal, Ashish, Vansh, Kuldeep, Dr. Deepak, Mahesh, and Ashwini.
175 students awarded at Swami Rama Himalayan University- A felicitation ceremony was organized at 11 AM on Tuesday in the university auditorium Adikailash. President Dr. Vijay Dhasmana called on the students for the necessity of time management and confidence for success. Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal said that students are provided with value-based education at Swami Rama Himalayan University. The new generation should keep in mind the human values for a civilized society.
The Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) was chosen as the best college in inter-school sports. Principal Ashok Deorari received this trophy. Students Rahul Negi (student category) and Simranjit Kaur (female student category) from the Himalayan School of Science & Technology were chosen as the best athletes. In addition, about 117 students were awarded academic awards, 15 students were awarded diplomas, 19 students were awarded the second value education award based on the Bhagavad Gita, and 27 students were awarded literary awards.
The award ceremony conducted under the direction of Dr. Seema Madhok was attended by Deputy Registrar Sandeep Badhani, principals of various colleges, Dr. Sanchita Pugazhendi, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Ajay Dubey, and others
