Dr. Tara Devi Sen Honored with Jijabai Achievers Award at Shivaji College, Delhi.
Shimla:
Dr. Tara Devi Sen, Head of the Department of Botany at Government Vallabh College, Mandi, was felicitated with the prestigious Jijabai Achievers Award on February 19, 2025, at Shivaji College, Delhi. The award ceremony, held on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, was a grand celebration of exceptional women achievers who have made significant contributions in various fields.
The event was graced by Vijaya K. Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, who presided over the ceremony. Prof. B.W. Pandey, Chairperson of the Governing Body at Shivaji College, was the Guest of Honour. The awardees, including Dr. Tara Devi Sen, were recognized for their transformative roles in areas such as women empowerment, conservation, sustainability, and education.
Dr. Sen, a renowned figure from Himachal Pradesh, was praised for her pioneering work in promoting the sustainable use of wild nutritional and medicinal plants, a crucial initiative for ecological balance and food security. Her dedication to these causes has earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Indian Biodiversity Award and the Young Scientist Award in 2021.
The Jijabai Achievers Award, instituted in 2010, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions across various fields, including gender awareness, community upliftment, and societal change. Dr. Sen’s exceptional efforts in the realm of environmental sustainability and science were celebrated as part of this legacy.
The ceremony was also marked by the release of the Women’s Development Cell’s annual publication, featuring articles on the life and achievements of the awardees, as well as contributions from students and faculty members of Shivaji College. Dr. Sen, along with her fellow awardees, was presented with a shield and a cash prize of Rs. 21,000 in recognition of her remarkable work.
The event was attended by notable figures from academia and the community, with Prof. Virender Bhardwaj, the Principal of Shivaji College, also present to commend the awardees for their exceptional contributions.
Dr. Tara Devi Sen stated that “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Jijabai Achievers Award. This recognition is not only a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the collective effort of my colleagues, students, and the communities I have worked with. I dedicate this award to the countless individuals who strive tirelessly for a more sustainable and equitable future, particularly in the fields of environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. I believe that our actions today will shape the world for future generations, and I am committed to continuing my work in the service of science, sustainability, and community upliftment. Thank you to Shivaji College and all those who have supported me along this journey.”