Forest Research Institute Celebrates International Day of Forests 2025.

Dehradun, March 21, 2025 – The Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, celebrated the International Day of Forests with great enthusiasm, bringing together esteemed Dignitaries, Group Coordinator Research, Dean & Registrar FRIDU, Registrar FRI, Heads of various divisions of FRI, Scientists, Officers, Researchers, Faculty members, Staff and Students. The theme for this year, ‘Forests and Food,’ emphasized the critical role of forests in food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.

The celebration commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees. Smt. Richa Misra, Head of Extension Division, FRI, presented a bouquet to the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, in recognition of his valuable presence. She then delivered the formal Welcome Address, setting the tone for the event and underlining the importance of the occasion.

Dr. Renu Singh, Director of FRI, delivered the Opening Remarks, highlighting the pivotal role of FRI in forest conservation and sustainable management. She also emphasized the theme of International Forests Day 2025, stressing the urgent need to recognize forests as key contributors to global food systems, climate resilience, and ecological balance.

The highlight of the event was the special Guest Lecture by Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, a distinguished environmentalist and the Founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO). Dr. Joshi’s insightful talk on ‘Forests and Food’ was inspiring, reinforcing the crucial role of forests in ensuring food security and sustainability. He also stressed the importance of sustainable land use practices, forest conservation, water resource management, and climate change adaptation.

Following the guest lecture, Dr. Renu Singh, Director, FRI, honored Dr. Joshi with a shawl as a token of appreciation for his invaluable contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sh. Lokinder Sharma, Scientist-C, Extension Division, expressing gratitude to all contributors. This event proved to be extremely effective in raising awareness towards forest conservation and sustainable livelihood and in making the society understand the interrelationship between forest and food security.