Ashwagandha Awareness Campaign Receives an Enthusiastic Response at Vallabh Government College, Mandi.
Shimla:
On Friday, 18 December 2025, Vallabh Government College, Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), successfully organized an Ashwagandha Awareness Campaign (Workshop-cum-Competition) along with a Food Fest in the college campus. The programme was graced by Dr. Raj Krishan Pruthi, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Mandi as the Chief Guest. The event was further dignified by the presence of Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Surender Mohan, President, Rise-Up Foundation, Mandi, Prof. Sanjeet, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala (Dehra Campus), Dr. Jeeva Nand, retired Medical Officer, progressive farmer Dharmveer from Haryana, and Sheetal Chandel from the Ministry of AYUSH.
The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness among school and college students about the medicinal importance, conservation, and sustainable use of Ashwagandha, to promote cultivation and marketing of medicinal and ornamental plants, to encourage innovation in food products enriched with medicinal herbs, and to provide students, teachers, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with a live demonstration of an innovative fruit and vegetable processing unit developed by farmer Dharmveer.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of around 12 schools of Mandi district, along with nearly 40 students from Vallabh Government College, Mandi. Four competitions were organized as part of the event, including Poster Making (School Level), Collage Making (College Level), and Slogan Writing Competitions (for both School and College students). The event commenced at 10:00 AM, with students creatively presenting the medicinal properties and significance of Ashwagandha through posters, slogans, and collages.
The competitions were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprising Dr. Hemlata, Sub-Divisional AYUSH Medical Officer (SDAMO), Sarkaghat; Dr. Shalvi Sharma, AYUSH Medical Officer (AMO), AHC Padhiyun; and Dr. Monika Sharma, AYUSH Medical Officer (AMO), AHC Dhaban.
In the School-Level Poster Making Competition, Lakshmi (PMGSSS Kotli) secured the first position, followed by Angel (GSSS Triyambli) in second place and Radhika (GSSS Rajwari) in third. In the School-Level Slogan Writing Competition, Nikita (GSS Chawki Chandrahan) won the first prize, Tejas (PMGSSS Girls, Mandi) secured second position, and Mohammad Irfan (GSSS Boys, Mandi) stood third. At the College Level, the Slogan Writing Competition was won by Ujjwal, followed by Sudha and Sanam (all from VGC Mandi), while in the Poster Making Competition, Kashish Kant, Poonam, and Manasvi (VGC Mandi) secured the first, second, and third positions respectively. All winners were honored with trophies, certificates of appreciation, and cash prizes Rs. 2,100 for first prize, Rs 1,500 for second prize, and Rs. 1,000 for third prize. These competitions proved highly successful in fostering creativity, awareness, and self-confidence among students.
The event also featured an exhibition of medicinal plants, food stalls managed by students, 3–4 stalls set up by Self-Help Groups, and an impressive poster and collage exhibition, which remained key attractions throughout the programme. Students effectively demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills through value-added food products, generating notable income. These included Janvi’s stall (Protein Momos; 6 students; total income Rs. 2,560), Manasvi’s stall (Galgal-based products; 4 students; Rs. 1,000), Anshika’s stall (Ashwagandha Golgappas; 3 students; Rs. 950), Kajal’s stall (Fruit Chaat; 4 students; Rs. 1,200), and Rehana’s stall (Fruit Salad; 3 students; Rs. 1,000).
In addition, students also engaged in the sale of medicinal plants such as Moringa, Insulin Plant, Brahmi, Bare, and Lemongrass, which not only generated additional income but also conveyed a strong message of conservation and promotion of medicinal plants.
Active participation of Self-Help Groups was another highlight of the programme. Women members from SHGs—Vidya (Panarsa), Santosh Sachdeva (Mandi), Geeta Devi (Kotli), Hardeep Kaur (Sundernagar), and Babli Devi (Mandi)—set up their stalls showcasing traditional food items. Their products received an overwhelming response, leaving the women highly motivated and encouraged.
The major attraction of the event was the demonstration of a multi-purpose agricultural machine by Shri Kishan Dharmveer, capable of performing the functions of nearly 100 tools. This demonstration was organized with the support of the Rise-Up Foundation, Mandi, specifically to promote innovation among students. Using the same machine, fresh juice of orange, guava, and amla was prepared and served to the audience, which was widely appreciated.
During the valedictory session, Dr. Raj Krishan Pruthi, IAS, emphasized the need to incorporate medicinal plants like Ashwagandha into daily life. He shared that he personally follows Ayurvedic principles, including the use of datun for oral hygiene, and encouraged students to adopt such healthy practices. He also motivated students to engage in innovation and start-ups, and urged Dr. Tara to extend awareness and conservation efforts beyond Ashwagandha to the top ten medicinal plants.
On this occasion, Surender Mohan, President of Rise-Up Foundation, Mandi, stressed the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among students and moving towards self-employment. The dignitaries collectively highlighted the significance of medicinal plant conservation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Tara presented a comprehensive overview of the project’s various activities and outlined a clear roadmap for upcoming initiatives. She highly appreciated the active involvement, enthusiasm, and dedication of students, describing it as the greatest achievement of the programme.
The programme concluded with prize distribution, a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanjay, and the National Anthem. The event was successfully organized under the guidance of the Principal, VGC Mandi, and coordinated by Dr. Tara Sen Thakur. Dr. Deepali Ashok, Dr. Neetu Pathania, and Dr. Anju were also prominently present during the event.
Overall, the programme emerged as a commendable and inspiring initiative towards student entrepreneurship, conservation of medicinal plants, and empowerment of Self-Help Groups, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.
