Himachal botanist honoured with green award at Thailand summit

Dr Tara Devi Sen, Head of Botany Department at Vallabh Government College in Mandi, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Senior Scientist Green Award’ at the 6th World Environment Summit in Thailand recently.

The award was presented by Dr Amzath Ahmed, Maldives’ Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, at the summit jointly organised by the Environment and Social Development Association and Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi.

Dr Sen was recognised for her outstanding contribution to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, innovation in traditional foods and environmental education. Through her website www.himalyanwildfoodplants.com, YouTube channel, and consistent outreach via social and print media, she has been creating widespread awareness about wild edible plants, focusing on their conservation, domestication, value addition and marketing.

Collaborating with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), farmers, students, local vendors, Rotary Club Mandi and NGOs like Rise Up Mandi, Dr Sen has been empowering rural communities by connecting them with opportunities for food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods.

She has dedicated the award to her parents, Man Singh Sen and Deepika Sen, her family members, mentor late Dr Chiranjit Parmar and the local community of Mandi, who have been her constant source of strength and inspiration.

Dr Sen’s work has now transcended national boundaries, serving as a global inspiration for promoting climate-resilient plants and sustainable food systems. The recognition is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and building a greener future.

The summit, which was held from November 9 to 11, witnessed participation from over 430 delegates and 50 keynote speakers representing 27 countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nigeria, Australia, Ukraine and the UAE. The event was conducted in both online and offline modes, enabling participation of scientists, policymakers and environmentalists from across the world.

Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand; Prof PB Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University; Dr Anthony Fulfreth from the US and Dr Ali Najeeb from Maldives were also present on the occasion.