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Introduction
HILL, the Himalayan Institute for Learning and Leadership, is dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions for the complex challenges faced in the Himalayan region. By promoting collaboration between academia, R&D institutions, and local communities, HILL aims to drive innovative solutions that address both local and global issues. Through a blend of cutting-edge research, capacity-building initiatives, and effective knowledge sharing, HILL seeks to empower communities and support the sustainable management of natural resources. Our approach integrates advanced technological interventions with a deep respect for the region’s unique socio-economic and ecological context.
Aligned with our mission to balance economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, HILL is committed to strengthening society in the Himalayan region. We focus on facilitating collaborative research and innovation to tackle pressing challenges, while also supporting the sustainable development of the region’s assets through targeted studies and interventions. By building local capacity and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we aim to create a harmonious balance between progress and preservation, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for the Himalayan region.
Objectives
- Develop strategies and initiatives that simultaneously promote economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region.
- Capacity building initiatives to empower communities, enhancing their skills and knowledge for sustainable development.
- Foster partnerships among local, regional, and international institutions to address pressing local and global challenges through innovative research and solutions.
- To promote community self-reliance through technological interventions for the sustainable management and utilisation of natural resources.
Our Vision
HILL aims to achieve sustainable solutions for the challenges in the Himalayan region by fostering collaboration between academia, R&D institutions, and society through innovative solutions, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
Our Mission
Strengthening society to balance economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region. Facilitate collaborative research and innovation to address local and global challenges. To support the sustainable development of the socio-economic and ecological assets of the Himalayan Region through innovative studies and knowledge interventions. Empowering society through capacity-building initiatives.
Themes
Capacity building
- Leadership Development initiatives
- Skill development for self employment
- Symbiosis of self-help groups
- Women empowerment through
training on locally grown products
for marketing. - Digitalisation
Disaster management and mitigation
- Forest Fires
- Landslides
- Flash floods
- Avalanches
- Earthquake
- Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)
- Riverbank Pollution
Entrepreneurship in the Region
- Ayurveda and Wellness
- Water shedding
- Adventure Tourism
- Hydropower
- Organic food
- Herbal products
- Forest waste to wealth
- Supply chain management
Sustainable promotion for
- Synergy of Yoga and Modern Sciences
- Spirituality in Modern Culture
- Agricultural production
- Human & Wildlife interactions
- Linking villages to city to
minimise the migration - Optimisation of uses of natural resources
- Preservation of heritage
Leaders
Mentors
Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi (Padma Bhushan Awardee)
Founded HESCO in Dehradun in 1979, promoting eco-friendly technologies and sustainable rural development. Coined the concept of Gross Environmental Product (GEP), adopted by Uttarakhand in 2021. Honoured with Padma Shri in 2006 and Padma Bhushan in 2020.
Dr. Prem Chand Sharma (Padma Shri Awardee)
Awarded Padma Shri for pioneering organic horticulture in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions. Introduced high-yield pomegranate orchards and created sapling nurseries benefiting over 350 farmers across three states. A tribal farmer and folklore poet, his work catalysed youth engagement in farming.
Prof. Vikram Chandra Thakur (Padma Shri Awardee)
Renowned geologist and ex Director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. Specialist in Himalayan tectonics, with fieldwork covering Zanskar, Garhwal, Kumaon, and beyond. Authored over 130 research papers; honored with Padma Shri in 2018.
Dr. Gautam R. Desiraju
Eminent structural chemist and Emeritus Professor at IISc, Bangalore, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at UPES, Dehradun. Globally recognized for pioneering work in crystal engineering and weak hydrogen bonds, with over 475 research papers and a h-index of 103. Former president of the International Union of Crystallography (2011–2014); awarded the 2023 Van der Waals Prize.
Mr. Threesh Kapoor
President of Himalaya Study Centre (and co-founder of The Buransh Retreat) in Kausani. Photographer, ex-banker, and social activist who fosters cultural and creative dialogue through events like Buransh Mahotsav. Provides platforms for artists and community writing interventions in the Kumaon hills.
Mr. Sebastian Winkler
Director General of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), Hungary. Leading a global IGO of over 1,700 members across 80+ countries, focusing on sustainable wildlife management, One Health, and indigenous rights. Modernized CIC’s statutes and governance since 2019.
HILL Academic Associates
HILL Researchers
Collaborators
Projects
Early detection of flash flood and landslide using wireless sensor networks for Himalayan region
Wireless sensor networks enable real-time monitoring of rainfall, soil moisture, and ground movement, helping detect floods and landslides early. This is crucial for remote Himalayan areas with limited infrastructure. The data supports timely warnings and informed actions like evacuations or road closures.
Study of Bhimal Fiber Craft in the Himalayan Region: Mapping Opportunities for Design Intervention and Product Diversification for Village Communities
This project aims to map and document the traditional Bhimal (Selu) fiber craft of Karchaa in Uttarakhand as a community-based practice. Through in-depth research, it will highlight the cultural and craft heritage of the region. The initiative also focuses on diversifying products by combining traditional skills with innovative designs. This will help create new livelihood opportunities while preserving indigenous knowledge.
Exploration of the Himalayan hot springs for the isolation of industrially important thermo-enzyme producing microbes
This study focuses on the isolation, selection, and characterization of thermophilic bacteria from the hot springs of Uttarakhand. The isolated strains will be screened for industrially important thermophilic enzymes and valuable secondary metabolites. Additionally, the research aims to understand the biogeochemistry of these hot springs to explore their microbial and ecological dynamics.
High Throughput screening of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) from environmental samples of Doon Valley for geo-spatial mapping
AMR is a growing global health threat, influenced by climate change, pollutants, and industrial effluents beyond hospital settings. Our study screens effluents and water bodies in Doon Valley for AMR using a rapid microtiter plate-based assay. We generate geo-spatial AMR indices to identify hotspots and transmission patterns. This supports evidence-based policymaking through the One Health approach. Preliminary findings indicate rising multidrug resistance in environmental microbes.
Investigating the Black Carbon Trajectories and Radiative Effects Across Varied Glacial Landscapes in Uttarakhand's Himalayas
Understanding the variability and radiative impact of aerosols over central Himalayan region. The research combines modelling techniques, satellite observations, and field measurements to investigate the ways in which black carbon affects regional climate dynamics and interacts with glacial systems.
Evaluating Cordyceps militaris (Keeda Jadi) as a sustainable substitute for Ophiocordyceps sinensis: A physiological and molecular study in Caenorhabditis elegans
This project evaluates Cordyceps militaris as a sustainable substitute for the endangered Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Keeda Jadi) through physiological and molecular studies in Caenorhabditis elegans. It aims to understand the medicinal and nutritional potential of C. militaris and promote its use as an eco-friendly alternative.
Planning, research, design, and complete development of a modern, easy-to-use, and efficient navigation system
This project aims to develop autonomous systems capable of navigating remote and high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. It supports environmental monitoring, terrain assessment, and data collection in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
Ensuring Water Quality and Availability Amidst Climate Change: Lessons from France and the Himalayas
This initiative focuses on developing innovative technologies for wastewater treatment using advanced filtration methods, including nanomaterials. Alongside technological innovation, awareness programs are being conducted in selected regions of India and France to engage communities in identifying and addressing local water-related challenges. The project also aims to strengthen research collaboration between Indian and French institutions, fostering joint efforts toward sustainable, scalable water management solutions for the future.
Applied research focused on the sustainable development, promotion, and long-term preservation of art, culture, and traditional heritage
This initiative fostered resilience and empowerment in Himalayan communities through creative expression, sustainability, and skill-building. In collaboration with Art of Hope, we conducted awareness drives, creative workshops, and eco-conscious activities, emphasizing traditional knowledge, rural entrepreneurship, and youth engagement.
The Economic Ecosystem of Cultural Heritage: A Study of the Kumaon Ramlila’s Preparation and Presentation
This research aims to explore the economic ecosystem surrounding the preparation and presentation of the Kumaon Ramlila, a traditional theatrical performance deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The study seeks to document and analyse the economic implications of Ramlila for various stakeholders, artisans, organizers, and vendors.
Integration of Solar Tracking Technology with Water Treatment Systems for Rural Communities in Hilly Terrain: A Design and Optimization Approach
This project aims to develop a compact, self-sustainable solar thermal water purification system for rural hilly areas, operated by local villagers. It involves designing and installing a Scheffler-type solar collector to focus sunlight and heat water. The system will precipitate and remove calcium hardness from spring water. A heat exchange system and filtration chamber will ensure clean, drinkable water.
Utilization of wild berries of the Himalayas as a valuable resource for developing highly beneficial and sustainable nutritional supplements
This project explores the nutritional potential of wild Himalayan berries, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. By promoting their sustainable harvesting and use, we aim to enhance local livelihoods and public health. These wild treasures hold promise as natural, affordable dietary supplements for diverse populations.
Transforming temple flower waste in the Himalayan region into innovative, eco-friendly, and value-added products for sustainable use and environmental conservation
This project focuses on recycling floral waste from Himalayan temples into eco-friendly products like incense, organic dyes, and compost. It blends tradition with sustainability, creating livelihoods while reducing pollution.
Unlocking the economic potential of ‘Bhanjira’ plants through sustainable utilization, value addition, and market development to benefit and empower Himalayan communities
‘Bhanjira’ (Perilla frutescens), a resilient Himalayan plant, holds immense nutritional and economic value. This project promotes its cultivation and processing to generate income and strengthen local economies.
Promoting eco-tourism in the Himalayan region to support sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community growth
By highlighting cultural heritage and biodiversity, this project encourages responsible eco-tourism in the Himalayas. It aims to create awareness, boost rural income, and preserve fragile ecosystems.
Design and development of an effective forest fire prevention device tailored for the unique conditions of the Himalayan region
This initiative seeks to model an affordable and effective device to detect and prevent forest fires. It combines traditional knowledge with modern technology to protect forests and lives.
Nature-based solutions for the sustainable preservation and protection of land in the Himalayan region
Using native vegetation and ecosystem restoration, this project advocates for nature-based methods to prevent soil erosion and land degradation in the Himalayan terrain, ensuring long-term resilience.
Himalayan Fellowship
A Unique Immersive Initiative by HILL, UPES
The Himalayan Fellowship invites 25 exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate students of UPES to embark on a four-week immersive experience in the Himalayan region. This unique initiative blends field-based learning, cultural immersion, and sustainability-focused research, providing students with a rare opportunity to engage deeply with one of the world’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Fellows will receive financial support of ₹30,000, expert mentorship, and exposure to traditional knowledge, sustainable tourism, and environmental stewardship. Participants will engage with communities, maintain reflective journals, attend interactive workshops, and may have their work showcased on national and international platforms. Open to all UPES students across disciplines, the fellowship aims to build future leaders in sustainability while contributing to long-term regional research.
Alliances
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Contact Us
Dr. Jitendra K. Pandey
Founder Director HILL Institute
jkpandey@ddn.upes.ac.in
Contact: +91 7579216817
Dr. Ruchika Rai
Assistant Professor -HILL
UPES University, Dehradun
ruchika.rai@ddn.upes.ac.in
Contact: +917042904974
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