Vallabh Government College, Mandi Draws Massive Public Response with Ashwagandha Awareness Campaign at International Shivratri Fair.
Shimla:
The Department of Botany at Vallabh Government College, Mandi has received an overwhelming response for its special exhibition organized under the Ashwagandha Awareness Campaign at the prestigious International Shivratri Fair. The initiative aims to promote awareness about the cultivation, sustainable use, and scientific importance of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), popularly known as the “King of Herbs” or Indian Ginseng.
The campaign highlights the immense medicinal value of Ashwagandha, widely recognized for its adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress and anxiety while restoring internal balance. The herb is known to strengthen immunity, enhance vitality, and support preventive healthcare. Traditionally used to combat fatigue and weakness, Ashwagandha improves stamina and energy levels. It also promotes cognitive function by enhancing memory, concentration, and mental clarity. In addition, the herb supports hormonal balance and possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to overall well-being.
As part of the outreach program, free Ashwagandha plants along with informative booklets are being distributed to visitors. Within just three days, more than 2,000 plants have been distributed to over 500 visitors, reflecting strong public interest and enthusiastic participation in the initiative.
A major attraction at the exhibition is the display and sale of innovative value-added products such as Millet–Ashwagandha Siddu and Ashwagandha Laddu. These nutritious recipes are being prepared and sold by members of local Self-Help Groups (SHGs), including entrepreneurs Anita and Vidya Thakur. The initiative promotes the concept of “food as medicine” by incorporating medicinal herbs into daily diets while simultaneously strengthening livelihood opportunities for local women entrepreneurs.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the eco-friendly Pine Needle Planters, prepared by Botany students under their Skill Course in Nursery and Gardening. These planters showcase creative utilization of locally available resources, emphasizing environmental sustainability and skill-based learning.
Students Vishal, Pallavi, Awantika, and Kanan are actively conducting live demonstrations, educating visitors about cultivation techniques, health benefits, and practical uses of Ashwagandha in everyday life.
The Principal of the college, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, emphasized that such initiatives are especially relevant today as they connect academic learning with community outreach, health awareness, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Dr. Tara Devi Sen, Principal Investigator and Head of the Department of Botany, stated that the exhibition serves as a model of integrating education, traditional knowledge, and community engagement. The campaign not only spreads awareness about medicinal plants but also promotes health consciousness, sustainability, and self-reliance among the public.
The Ashwagandha Awareness Campaign stands as a commendable example of how educational institutions can actively contribute to public health awareness and rural empowerment while preserving India’s rich heritage of medicinal plants.
