Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: The third day of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) was marked by a series of impactful activities focused on tree plantation, environmental conservation, and community participation. The events were organized under the aegis of the Tourism Society of CUHP at Dhalu Gram Panchayat, with active involvement from students, research scholars, faculty, and local residents.
The programme, held under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal, was inaugurated with a tree plantation campaign titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative. Prof. Bansal emphasized the importance of nature in sustainable development, stating, “Tourism and transformation are possible only when we maintain a balanced relationship with the environment.” He planted the first sapling, reaffirming the university’s commitment to environmental protection.
Gram Panchayat Pradhan Mrs. Asha Devi, the chief guest, praised the collaboration, noting that the campaign symbolized a promise of a cleaner and greener future for generations to come. Students, faculty, and villagers planted fruit-bearing, shade-giving, and native species and pledged to care for them.
Prof. Bansal also announced that CUHP will launch upskilling programmes, mobile health vans, and free health camps in Dhalu and 14 other adopted villages, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
The day also featured an educational visit to a waste management facility, where students learned about collection, segregation, and recycling, and how these practices generate environmental and economic benefits.
The activities highlighted that tourism is deeply linked with society, culture, and the environment. Through initiatives like these, CUHP continues to integrate academic excellence with social responsibility and sustainable development.
