From Classroom to Conservation: A Student Adventure in the Heart of the Himalayas. Dr. Tara Devi Sen.
Shimla:
In early November, I had the remarkable opportunity to lead a group of 41 students from BSc Botany on a field trip to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot nestled in Himachal Pradesh. This expedition was made possible through the support of CCF Sandeep Sharma, the Director of GHNP, whose insightful talk at a national conference sparked the idea. His invitation to visit GHNP for a first-hand experience was warmly accepted, and with his encouragement, the trip began to take shape. DFO Sachin’s advice to plan quickly, as winter was fast approaching, motivated us to organize without delay. Their willingness to facilitate the trip and arrange accommodations was invaluable, helping us focus on making the visit meaningful for our students.
The expedition set off on November 5, 2024, at 8 a.m., with the participation of Lab Assistant Praveen Kumar and a group of students from Banjar College led by Professor Rajeev Parmar, making it an enriching experience for both colleges. Winding through mountainous roads, we were treated to breath-taking views of verdant forests, shimmering rivers, and majestic peaks, setting the perfect tone for a weekend immersed in nature’s splendour.
Upon entering the GHNP, we were welcomed by Range Officer Dhyan and our guide, Govind Thakur, whose insights enriched our experience. Govind explained the park’s significance as a haven for biologists, with researchers often spending months here to study its rich biodiversity. This ignited a sense of gratitude and realization among students: we were just a short distance from this “classroom of nature” yet had seldom explored it.
Our first day unfolded with a nature walk after lunch, revealing a mosaic of diverse flora. Majestic yew trees, vibrant wildflowers, and rare plants such as the bright red-ariled Taxus contorta left lasting impressions. For 14 years, I’ve studied wild food plants, yet I gained new insights during an impromptu interview with Govind, who shared knowledge of unique local edibles like Diospyros lotus (Amlok), Cornus capitata (Himalayan strawberry), Pyracantha crenulata, and Rhododendron. This interaction became a hands-on lesson for students in documenting ethnobotanical data, an experience enhanced by Govind’s fascination with learning the scientific names of plants he had always encountered as a guide.
Experiential learning like this is powerful, especially for first-year students, some of whom had previously considered careers solely in medical fields. Encounters with experts, immersion in nature, and exposure to career paths in forestry, ecology, and research opened their minds to new possibilities. GHNP, home to 832 plant species and 375 faunal species, including 209 bird species, offered a firsthand look at India’s biodiversity. The sight of artificial birds and animals along the trail added fun to the educational aspect, while the holy rivers—Tirthan, Sainj, and Parvati—flowing through the valleys highlighted the park’s spiritual significance.
The students were further captivated by the hospitality at Sairopa, where they enjoyed delicious meals, a campfire, and music. The comfort and safety provided by CCTV-equipped dormitories gave me peace of mind, allowing students to experience the joys of learning through enjoyment. Thanks to the proactive efforts of CCF Sandeep Sharma and DFO Sachin, who ensured everything was well-coordinated, the students enjoyed a secure, seamless, and immersive stay. Their assistance in making arrangements enabled us to focus entirely on the educational aspects of the trip.
On our second day, we journeyed to the scenic Serolsar Lake, a revered site surrounded by dense oak forests, famed for its Nagni Mata temple. Legends say that two sparrows ensure the lake remains clean year-round, plucking leaves as they fall—a testament to the lake’s natural and spiritual purity. While some flora was dormant due to the season, we still documented species like Cotoneaster, Cynoglossum, Clematis, and Achillea in bloom. The students were left in awe, realizing that visits like this are best enjoyed in mid-summer when the landscape is in full bloom.
For many students, this was their first trip with an overnight stay. They left with an enriched understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and the importance of preserving our regional and traditional knowledge. For me, organizing this unforgettable tour and sharing my passion for documenting wild edibles reaffirmed my commitment to nurturing future botanists and environmentalists. Aligned with the New Education Policy’s focus on interdisciplinary learning, practical experience, and valuing indigenous knowledge, this trip offered students a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore solutions for conservation and sustainability. Such field experiences remind us that when learning is woven with enjoyment, it sparks a deeper connection to nature ,respect for traditional wisdom and encourage students to integrate modern science with indigenous practices—one that students will carry forward in their journeys, hopefully inspiring others along the way.
Writer is Dr. Tara Devi Sen. Head Botany Department. Vallabh Government College Mandi HP.
