Munish Sood
Mandi: The Department of History at Sardar Patel University, Mandi, in collaboration with INTACH Mandi Chapter, marked World Heritage Week with a thought-provoking guest lecture, “Heritage Discussion.” The event, held at the university’s Mandav Campus, brought together academicians, conservationists, and students to explore Mandi’s rich biodiversity and cultural traditions.
The program featured Prof Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, as the chief guest. Naresh Malhotra, INTACH coordinator, presided over the event, with distinguished speakers including Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Anupama Singh, Lalit Malhotra, and keynote speaker Dr. Tara Sen.
A Vision for Cultural and Economic Growth
In his address, Professor Awasthi emphasized the urgent need to conserve the region’s wild fruits like kaffal, hisalu, amla, and bedana, which hold both cultural and economic significance. He proposed an innovative plan for the university to adopt five villages and assist locals in processing and marketing these pesticide-free fruits.
“By promoting these fruits, we can not only enhance rural incomes but also offer pesticide-free products to consumers across India,” said Awasthi. He also urged students to learn about the uses and benefits of these fruits to ensure their preservation.
The Historical and Medicinal Relevance of Wild Fruits
Dr. Tara Sen, Assistant Professor of Botany at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, highlighted the deep connection of wild fruits to Mandi’s rural lifestyle. “Wild fruits have been an integral part of ancient medicine and regional diets. Cultivating and trading them ensures both economic upliftment and the preservation of local traditions,” she remarked.
She also underlined their medicinal properties, stressing their importance in today’s world as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic products.
A Collaborative Effort to Protect Biodiversity
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Anupama Singh raised concerns about the declining availability of wild fruits due to urbanization and environmental changes. She stressed the need for immediate action to conserve these rare species.
Program Chair Naresh Malhotra and INTACH Co-Coordinator Anil Sharma echoed this sentiment, urging stakeholders to work together to preserve and promote the region’s unique biodiversity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The event concluded with an appeal to engage young minds in conservation efforts. Faculty members, including Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, who organized the event, called for collective action to safeguard Mandi’s natural and cultural heritage.
The event was attended by prominent academicians, INTACH members, and students, who left inspired to take steps toward preserving Mandi’s heritage for future generations.
A Path Forward
This initiative serves as a beacon for integrating cultural preservation with sustainable economic development. The collaboration between Sardar Patel University and INTACH highlights the potential of community-driven efforts to revive and sustain traditional practices, ensuring they remain a vital part of India’s legacy.
