Central University of Himachal Pradesh becomes the first university in India to link the tree plantation campaign with academic credits; announces National Science Congress in January and International Science Congress in April 2027.
**Dharamshala/Shahpur:** The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) has introduced an innovative initiative integrating environmental conservation with higher education by linking the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign with academic credits for students. Under the initiative, students will receive special academic credits for nurturing and protecting the trees they plant.
At a special plantation programme held at the university’s Shahpur Campus, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal planted a sapling in memory of his mother, Smt. Parameshwari Devi, and formally launched the campaign. Inspired by the initiative, students also planted saplings in the names of their respective mothers.
Addressing the students, Prof. Bansal emphasized that planting a tree is only the beginning, while its protection and sustained care are equally important. He said the initiative seeks to make environmental responsibility an integral part of students’ education, values and everyday lives. CUHP has described itself as the first university in the country to link this campaign with academic credits.
## CUHP Celebrates Achievement in THE World University Rankings
The Shahpur Campus also celebrated the university’s entry into the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, where CUHP secured a position in the 701–800 band in its first appearance. Faculty members, research scholars and students marked the achievement by distributing sweets across the campus.
Congratulating the university community, Prof. Bansal said the ranking represented an important milestone in CUHP’s journey towards greater global academic recognition. He stressed that research quality would remain the university’s highest priority and called for stronger partnerships with international universities, research institutions and industries.
“Our next target is to enter the Top 500, and to achieve this, we must collectively establish new benchmarks in research, innovation, international collaboration and academic excellence,” he said.
He added that the university’s progress depended on collective efforts by students, faculty members, researchers and staff. Strengthening research, industrial partnerships, student skills and international academic engagement would be crucial to achieving the next milestone.
Dean Academics Prof. Pradeep Kumar highlighted the significance of the plantation campaign, observing that, just as a mother selflessly nurtures her child, society must nurture and protect nature. He also emphasized quality teaching, new research proposals and academic excellence in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Programme Coordinator Prof. B.C. Chauhan welcomed the Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, research scholars and students and outlined the objectives of the programme. Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Head of the Department of Nano Science and Materials, highlighted the university’s achievements, particularly in Physics and Astronomical Sciences.
Registrar Prof. Narendra Sankhyan described the ranking as a collective achievement and emphasized continued improvements in infrastructure and academic facilities. Dean Students’ Welfare Prof. Sunil Thakur appreciated the contribution of students and stressed the need to expand national and international opportunities for their overall development.
## National Science Congress in January, International Event in April 2027
Announcing the university’s academic roadmap, Prof. Bansal said CUHP would organize a National Science Congress in January 2027 to mark its Foundation Day, followed by an International Science Congress in April 2027. The events will provide a platform for scientists and researchers from India and abroad to exchange ideas and promote scientific collaboration.
He also called for expanding international and industrial partnerships, student and faculty exchange programmes, experiential learning opportunities, expert lectures and joint research projects with national and international institutions.
Emphasizing research quality and transparency, the Vice-Chancellor directed that external experts’ participation in Ph.D. thesis evaluation be strengthened. He also highlighted the importance of international admissions, consultancy services and skill-enhancement initiatives to prepare students for evolving technological and industrial requirements.
During his visit, Prof. Bansal inspected the Shahpur Campus Library and B.Tech. Computer Science facilities. He reviewed the available infrastructure and academic resources and issued directions for their further improvement.
The initiatives reflect CUHP’s broader focus on combining environmental responsibility, academic excellence, research innovation and international collaboration as it works towards stronger global recognition.