International Mountain Day 2025

International Mountain Day 2025, commemorated on 11 December, draws attention to the indispensable role that mountains play in safeguarding ecological balance and human prosperity. This year’s theme, ‘Glaciers Matter for Water, Food and Livelihoods in Mountains and Beyond,’ highlights glaciers as vital freshwater reserves for nearly two billion people, particularly Indigenous communities that depend on them for agriculture, hydropower, and cultural traditions. To mark the occasion, the Institute celebrated International Mountain Day 2025 by hosting a special lecture by Dr. Lavkush Kumar Patel, who is currently serving as a Scientist ‘D’ at the Centre for Cryosphere and Climate Change Studies (C4S), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, titled ‘Understanding Glacier Dynamics: From Ice Flow to Climate Change.’ Prizes for the Photography Contest were also distributed among researchers and scientists.

Date: 11th Dec 2025

The Ladakh Regional Centre organised a seminar on ‘Glaciers of the Indian Himalayan Region,’ in sync with the United Nations’ International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025. The event was marked by an insightful lecture by Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Mir on the ‘changing cryosphere of Ladakh and emerging water security challenges.’

International Mountain Day 2025 was celebrated at the Seminar Hall of Government College, Kullu. The program was jointly organized by the Himachal Regional Center and Government College, Kullu. The event began with stage moderation by Dr. Ramesh Chander, followed by a welcome address by Er. Rakesh Kumar Singh, who highlighted the significance of glaciers and IMD 2025. Dr. Rakesh Rana, Principal of Government College, Kullu, emphasized the importance of mountain conservation and youth involvement. The thematic lecture by Dr. Kesar Chand focused on glacier status, the impacts of climate change, and Himalayan ecology.

In celebration of International Mountain Day 2025, a two-day Training and Capacity Building Programme on “Identification, Assessment and Conservation of Himalayan Plant Diversity” was organized on 10–11 December at the Garhwal Regional Centre (GRC). A total of 87 participants, including students and staff, attended the program. The training covered the importance of mountain ecosystems and glaciers, plant diversity, and millets of the mountains, and concluded with sessions on plant taxonomy, species identification, herbarium preparation, and vegetation assessment.