Nauni varsity Vice Chancellor receives ‘Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Award’

Solan Mar 09

Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, was honoured with the prestigious Viswakabi ‘Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Award’ by the Indian Institute of Oriental Heritage (IIOH), Kolkata. The award was presented by Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, Governor of Telangana, at the 46th Annual International Conference on Oriental Heritage, which took place earlier this week.

The conference brought together distinguished scholars from around the globe to discuss and deliberate on various aspects of Indian Heritage and Culture. In addition, degrees were conferred upon students from Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka by the IIOH, an esteemed international institute specializing in Oriental Studies and Research.

Chandel was recognized with the Viswakabi Rabindranath Tagore Award for his outstanding contributions to education, particularly his role in transforming Indian agriculture through heritage knowledge, especially natural farming. Awards were also presented to other notable figures who have significantly advanced the promotion of Indian culture and heritage.

In addition to this recognition, Prof. Chandel was recently inducted as a Life Fellow of the prestigious Entomological Society of India and received the Fellowship Award from the Society for the Science of Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

Prof. Chandel is widely known for his pioneering work in natural farming practices that aim to ensure sustainable crop production and increase farmers’ income. Notably, he played a crucial role in implementing the state government’s flagship program, Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y). He is also at the forefront of generating scientific data on natural farming practices, collaborating with both national and international institutions. Additionally, he has made significant strides in empowering farmers, especially women, and in advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. A member of several national professional and governmental bodies, Prof. Chandel has served on key committees, including the National Advisory Committee for promoting natural farming, the ICAR Society’s General and Governing Bodies, and the ICAR Committee on Natural Farming.

Upon receiving the award, Prof. Chandel expressed his deep gratitude to IIOH and emphasized that this honour further strengthens his commitment to continue working for the welfare of farmers across the country.