BHU celebrates Republic Day

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) celebrated 62nd Republic Day in a grand manner. BHU Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh took the salute of the march past and hoisted the Tricolour. Girl students of the university presented several attractive cultural programmes to mark the occasion in Varanasi on January 26, 2011.

Photo: PPP Cell-BHU

Human Rights Training Programme organised in Banaras Hindu University

Human Rights Training Programme was organised in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on January 23, 2011. Justice Ashok Bhushan of Allahabad High Court delivered the keynote address. BHU Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh also felicitated Justice Bhushan on the occasion.

Photo: PPP Cell-BHU

International conference on 'Managing Sustainable Development of Rural Economy and Agri-Business' held in BHU

Varanasi, January 21, 2011: An international conference on “Managing Sustainable Development of Rural Economy and Agri-Business” was organized jointly by the Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Tennessee State University (US), OLMIX (France), Fizi National University, Purdne University (US), CIMMYT (Mexico), Agro Paris Tech and Zoopole (France) and other Institutions of India.

Professor JS Rajput, former Director, NCERT, New Delhi inaugurated the conference. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized role of organization to buildup knowledge driven scholar with high level of courage to deal multi-dimensional problems by taking care of poorest in the society through elevating poverty of the society.

He said vocational training of youth and old age people of country must be enhanced by increasing number of vocational training centres in private and public sectors. “This will provide opportunity of employment both urban and rural area that ultimately reduce the youth migration rural areas towards cities,” he added.

Professor AS.Sambo, DG & CEO of Energy Commission, Nigeria and guest of honour at the conference, emphasized the agricultural scenario of the Nigeria and highlighted scope of joint venture for co-ordination and co-operation.

Banaras Hindu University Vice-Chancellor Dr DP Singh narrated the role of right education in changing attitude and approach of youth that would help in inculcating integrated approach required for sustainable development.

BHU Rector Dr. BD Singh, Dr. SR Singh, Director, I.Ag.Sc. Dr. Kalyan Singh, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture spoke on the importance of the conference. Professor Saket Kushwaha, Secretary General of ICON, BHU, highlighted the theme of conference and Dr. DC Rai proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Dr GC Mishra.

More than 800 delegates participated in the conference and benefited by a unique Conference Expo jointly organized by more than 20 organizations of national and international repute with covering different aspects of agriculture, fisheries, environment, banking, co-operative and traditions of the country.

Business Expo was inaugurated by Professor Alain Roocreu from International Development Manager, OLMIX (France).

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Census Training Programme organised in BHU

Census Training Programme was organised at Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Banaras Hindu University on January 20, 2011.

Photo: PPP Cell-BHU

Delegation from University of Illinois visits BHU

Varanasi, January 19, 2011: A delegation from University of Illinois, USA visited Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and called on the vice-chancellor Professor Dhirendra Pal Singh at VC Lodge here on Wednesday.

The delegation comprised of Dr. Hao Feng, associate professor of Food and Bio-Process Engineering, Dr. Mary P Arends-Kuenning, associate professor of Economics Demography and International Development, Dr. Mindy Mallory, assistant professor of Agricultural Marketing and Policy of University of Illinois discussed at a length on the propose USAID programme with the professor Singh.

A BHU delegation under the leadership of vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh had visited University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA in May-June last year and signed a MoU with the university in the field of agricultural sciences.

It may be mentioned here that USAID programme comprising of a Consortium of various US Universities with BHU is in advance stage of implementation. Several delegations from different US universities have been visiting BHU in the past. The programme is likely to be launched in February next.

This initiative will give an international exposure to agriculture research, extension and teaching in India as a whole and BHU in particular. In this reference the delegation from University of Illinois is on exploratory visit to BHU.

The delegation also held meeting with all the head of departments of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, under the chairmanship of director before meeting with vice-chancellor. The delegation also visited various laboratories and departments of IAS, BHU.

They showed keen interest in post harvest technology, food sciences, agriculture economics, bioprocess engineering, and other fields of agricultural sciences. They inquired about status of BHU as a national university and expressed their interests in multi-faculty structure of BHU.

Vice-chancellor Singh told them about Institute of Agricultural Sciences as well as Rajiv Gandhi South Campus and strength of BHU in agriculture and rural development. In response to a question regarding fee structure to study in BHU, vice-chancellor said higher education is very subsidized as compare to higher education in west.

Professor Hao Feng, who basically belongs to China, said he is very impressed with the growing and strong economy of India. The contribution of agriculture in the Indian GDP was discussed. Dr Mindy L Mallory inquired about migration from rural area to city. It was discussed that migration is affecting rural economy. Director, Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Coordinator Food Sciences, and Chairman of PPP Cell and International Cell also attended the meeting.

Photo caption: From top BHU vice-chancellor professor DP Singh holds meeting with the delegation from University of Illinois, US, at V-C lodge in Varanasi on January 19, 2011.

BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh felicitates the visiting University of Illinois delegates by presenting them mementos in Varanasi on January 19, 2011.

Photo and News: PPP Cell-BHU

Indo-US dialogue on ‘Food Sciences and Agricultural Education’ organized in BHU

Varanasi, January 18, 2011: An Indo-US Dialogue on Food Sciences and Agricultural Education was organized at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University here on Tuesday.

A delegation of scientists from College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, USA visited Institute of Agriculture Sciences, BHU for possible collaboration under USAID Programme.

It may be mentioned here that an USAID Programme comprising of a Consortium of Universities with BHU and Cornell University as a leading player, is in advance stage of implementation. In this reference several US universities had visited BHU in the past and there is a possibility of launching this programme during coming February, 2011.

This initiative will give an international exposure to agriculture research, extension and teaching in India as a whole and BHU in particular. While speaking at this occasion Professor Ronnie Coffman, International Professor of Plant Breeding, Director of International Programs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, said he had visited many of the 140 rice research stations in India while working at International Rice Research Institute, Philippines and also worked with important institutes of Indian Council of Agriculture Research, New Delhi. “I am looking forward for a fruitful collaboration with BHU and Cornell University”, he said.

Prof. Max J. Pfeffer, Senior Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, said the Cornell University already had some programme with some universities in India, particularly “dual degree programme” in the field of Plant Biotechnology and Agribusiness Management.

The programme has helped several Indian students including from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to fetch better jobs at the international level, he said. “I am looking forward similar collaboration with BHU in the future USAID programme”, he said.

The US university is looking forward particularly for following few issues under BHU-Cornell Partnership Programme; (i) food security, (ii) furtherance of food system, (iii) population increase and expected food supply, (iv) agricultural in global environment.

Pfeffer said the international food trade; global technological needs; environmental issues related with food are going to be important issues to be addressed under this programme.

Professor SSH Rizvi, Professor of Food Science, Cornell University was the key speaker at this occasion. He spoke about agriculture and food science in global prospective.

He mentioned that though India has reached to self sufficiency in food production but still we have large chunk of people leaving under poverty line. US are processing its food up to 80% in response of only 2-3% in India. This is one of the reasons of high percentage of food being wasted in India. He expects India will be a leading player in food industry in the coming days.

Dr. Pilar Parra, the nutritionist and Senior Lecturer, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University spoke on “Phenomena of Occurrence of Obesity in Middle Income Group” due to poor management of nutrition.

Speaking on the contribution of agriculture and allied sciences in economy of our country, Prof. AK Shrivastav, Director, NDRI was of the opinion that during green revolution in addition to self sufficiency in food grain, other field of agriculture sciences like horticulture, vegetable, milk, meat, egg production has also increased manifold.

Professor DP Singh, Vice-Chancellor of BHU presided over the function. He said he was quite hopeful on the partnership programme with Cornell University.

“I am looking forward for launching and fruitful implementation of this programme”, he said.

The programme was coordinated by Professor Alok Jha and was attended by Professor SR Singh, Director, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Kalyan Singh, Dean, Professor Subedar Singh, Dr. DK Rai, Prof. AK Shrivastav, Dr. Pradeep Shrivastav, Professor RP Singh, former Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Dr. AK Chauhan and Professor Rajesh Singh, Coordinator, Plant Biotechnology and students of plant biotechnology and food sciences.

Photo caption: Top: BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh inaugurates Indo-US dialogue on Food Sciences and Agriculture Education at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU on January 18, 2011.

From top 2 to bottom: Professor AK Shrivastav, Professor Ronnie Coffman, Dr Pilar Parra and Prof. Max J. Pfeffer address the seminar.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Dalai Lama leaves Varanasi

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama left Varanasi for New Delhi on January 18, 2011 after his 8-day stay in Sarnath.

Photo: Samrat

Dalai Lama inaugurates foundation day function of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University

Sampurnanand Sanskrit University celebrated its 220th foundation day in Varaanasi on January 17, 2011. A three-day seminar was organized to commemorate the occasion. Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama inaugurated the function.

Sampurnanand Sanskrit University vice-chancellor V Kutumb Shastri delivered the keynote address on the importance of Sanskrit learning and contributions of the university.

Photo: Samrat

Farmers training programme concludes

A six-day farmers training programme under District Industrial Mission Project concluded at Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on January 17, 2011. BHU Rector Professor BD Singh was the chief guest at the closing function and he gave away certificates to the participants.

Photo: PPP Cell-BHU

14 killed as bus falls into Varuna river in Varanasi

As many as 14 persons were killed, and ten injure when a private mini bus going from Babatpur to Kachawa Road fell into river Varuna near Kalikadham village, about 35 kms from district headquarters, under Kapsathi police station in Varanasi on January 15, 2011morning.

Police and local people started the rescue operation. Injured persons were taken to SSPG Hospital in Varanasi. Top district administration officials including DIG Lalji Shukla and Divisional Commissioner Ajay Kumar Upadhyaya reached the spot.

Photo: Samrat

Makar Sankranti a day for kite flying in Varanasi

Kite flying is an important tradition on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (Popularly known as Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh) in Varanasi on January 14, 2011. Several shops were decked up with kites and its related flying articles and even foreign tourists failed to resist their temptation trying their hands in the sport of kite flying on the bank of River Ganga.

Photo: Samrat

Thousands take holy dip on Makar Sankranti

Thousands took holy dip in the river Ganga on the auspices occasion of Makar Sankranti in Varanasi on January 14, 2011.

Photo: Samrat

Dalai Lama's religious discourse in Sarnath

Tibetan Spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, delivered religious discourses at Kaalchakra ground in Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS), Sarnath on January 12, 2011. He will continue to deliver the same daily in two sessions till January 16. The function has been attended by several thousand Buddhist monks and followers from various countries. Speaking on the occasion, Dalai Lama said all living beings in the world feel pain and sorrow, but only humans can feel the pain and sorrow of others. “One could achieve “Bodhi” by removing the sorrow of others. People should be compassionate towards all,” he said.

Photo: Samrat

Dalai Lama for translation of all Buddhist texts into Tibetan language

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attended the concluding function of a four-day international seminar on “Tenggyur Translation Conference: In the tradition of the 17 Pandits of Nalanda”, organised by the Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University in Sarnath on January 11, 2011. The Dalai Lama also gave blessings to teachers, employees and their family members in CUTS.

Speaking on the occasion Dalai Lama said teachings of Buddha and Buddhist texts, which were not available in Tibetan language, should be translated into Tibetan.

"We must translate those sutras that are written in Pali and are not available in Tibetan," he said.

Photo: Samrat