Solan: In a significant move aimed at promoting sustainable innovation and strengthening research in value addition and traditional knowledge systems, a delegation from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, visited Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), Haridwar, on Thursday. The visit marked an important step towards exploring collaborative opportunities in research, education, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship development.
Both institutions are recognized for their strengths in their respective fields—UHF as a leading institution in horticulture, forestry and food technology, and DSVV for its pioneering work in the scientific validation of traditional Indian knowledge systems, medicinal chemistry and the therapeutic applications of Panchgavya.
The delegation was led by Vice Chancellor Dr HS Baweja and comprised Dr. Devina Vaidya, Director of Research; Dr CL Thakur, Dean, College of Forestry; Dr Anil Handa, Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology; Dr BS Dilta, Professor and Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture; Dr Vishal Rana, Joint Director of Research; and Dr. Rohit Vashisth, Head, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry.
The proposed collaboration seeks to integrate traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific and processing technologies to create a dynamic ecosystem for quality teaching, innovative research and industrial applications. Special emphasis will be laid on developing advanced value-addition and processing technologies for cow-based by-products, particularly cow dung and cow urine and exploring their commercial potential.
During the visit, the UHF delegation held detailed interactions with scientists and subject experts from various departments of DSVV. The team also visited advanced cattle-rearing facilities and specialized processing units engaged in the utilization of cow dung and cow urine. They inspected fabric and paper manufacturing units where these organic resources are transformed into eco-friendly commercial products, demonstrating successful models of circular economy and waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship.
Vice Chancellor Dr HS Baweja also held a productive meeting with Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of DSVV and discussed avenues for institutional collaboration and the possibility of formalizing the partnership through a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding.
A major highlight of the visit was an interactive session with students and young entrepreneurs at DSVV. The delegation witnessed how skill development and innovation are enabling youth to convert organic waste into high-value products catering to domestic and international markets. This model of experiential learning and entrepreneurship aligns closely with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable wealth creation.
The proposed collaboration is expected to open new avenues in forestry education, food science, value addition, and sustainable rural entrepreneurship, while contributing to the development of innovative waste-to-wealth technologies and environmentally responsible business models across the country.
