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Himalayan Classroom“Where the Himalaya Trained Us”North India Tour Batch 2025-26
Editor-in-Chief Amit Sahu Art Direction Content Director Amit Sahu, Amit Sahu Manisha Gujjar Photographers Prabhanshu Pawar, Sumit Pandey, Maruti Gurav, Manisha Gujjar, Parul Agrawal, Rudra Pratap Himalaya Outdoors A North Indian Tale to Cherish
From plains we rose, a batch in stride, With forests calling from mountains wide... Through Himachal roads where silence spoke, Landslides whispered—yet courage woke; With DFO Nurpur’s wisdom, firm and clear, Law became our strength, not fear Uncertain weather, clouds at play, Mcleodganj Tested our will along the way... Dharamshala stood in misty grace, With its stadium carved in nature’s embrace.. Rohtang roared with icy might, Sweet waters flowing, pure and bright,,. Mall Roads of Manali and Shimla alive, With stories that continue to thrive... Kufri’s elegance, calm and white, A silent charm, a peaceful sight. From Dehradun’s FRI, rich in legacy and lore, To city farming,, DFE Director taught us much more Chopta’s trails, both steep and wild, Tested our strength at every mile... A Himalayan Journey in Verses
Before the dawn, to Tungnath we tread, With rising sun painting gold ahead.... From Joshimath’s path to Badrinath divine, Faith and हमालय began to align... Ghanghariya’s climb, long yet bright, Led to blooms—a heavenly sight... Valley of Flowers, colors untold, With waterfalls beside, our lunch of gold.... Kausani’s morning, calm and rare, Himalayan peaks in golden air... Nainital’s calm lake, serene and still, Reflected the mountains with quiet will. The Botanical Garden, vibrant and bright, Filled our minds with nature’s delight. Corbett’s जंगल, thrill and grace, Where wilderness met a ranger’s pace... And in Delhi’s heart, history’s crown, Rashtrapati Bhawan stood renowned... Through every storm, peak, pain and plain, We found our purpose, again and again.. . Not just a tour, but a bond so keen— Forever etched, in ridges framed in green !!
I express my heartfelt gratitude to Gujarat Forest Rangers College & Principal Sir for organizing and facilitating the North India study tour. I also extend my appreciation to Aman Yadav (Assistant Tour Leader) & all the concerned Field officers and staff whose meticulous planning and dedicated efforts made this tour smooth, enriching, and truly memorable. Also thankful to all the Trainees to make this tour memorable. With sincere thanks to all who made this journey a grand success “With Gratitude”3
Shri R.P GELOT From the Desk of Principal PRINCIPAL, GFRC4 It gives me immense pleasure to present this North India Tour Magazine prepared by the RFO trainees of Gujarat Forest Rangers College, Rajpipla. The educational tour provided valuable exposure to diverse ecosystems, wildlife conservation practices, and field management experiences across India. I appreciate the sincere efforts of the trainees and faculty members in making the tour successful and documenting their learning so effectively. I hope this experience will strengthen their commitment towards forest and wildlife conservation. I extend my best wishes to all trainees for a successful career in the forest service
AMIT SAHU .This magazine is a humble attempt to capture the memories, experiences, learnings gathered along the way—be it the thrill of safaris, the discipline of treks, or the wisdom gained through interactions. May these pages serve as a lasting reminder of our journey, our learning, and our commitment to protect and preserve our natural heritage. TOUR LEADER Set against the vast and timeless Himalayas, this journey was more than a study tour—it was a classroom without walls.....
Aman Yadav Mist, Monastery, Mountain Learn how tree species varies with altitude, aspect and exposure. Assistant Tour Leader
12Surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar ranges, the town offered a peaceful and culturally rich atmosphere . Umesh Panika @Dharmshala
7Mist & Mountains With ACF Daulat SIr @ Dharmshala
7Words of Wisdom With DFO Nishant Sir @ Nurpur
Sawan Banke Rajveer Shrivas Aditya Nagar Interaction with the DFO Sir turned forest laws into real field lessons, A compelling session by the DFO Sir showcased how forest laws serve as vital tools for protecting forest. DFO Sir unraveled the practical side of forest laws— seizure, warrants, and protection of forest produce.
Where winding mountain roads met endless snow, the RFOs stepped into the raw grandeur of the Himalayas. Snow, Peaks & Perseverance @Manali Gave insights into Himalayan forest diversity, with species like fir, maple, and bhoj (birch) reflecting the transition of vegetation across altitudes Manisha Gujjar
6Snow, Peaks & Perseverance
An unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and vast valleys., witnessing the raw beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas. Prabhanshu PawarExploring the iconic Atal Tunnel—where technology meets the grandeur of the Himalayas
Learnt the link between glaciers, river systems, and fragile high- altitude ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable watershed and forest management. Sanjeet Yadav Understood high- altitude ecosystems, fragile terrain, and the challenges of forest management in extreme Himalayan conditions.Kuldeep Thakur
“Ridges Framed in Green”7 With DFO & ACF Sir @ Shimla ACF Vinod Ranta Sir revealed the delicate harmony of Himalayan forests, watersheds, and wildlife. Observing the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary and the native fauna at Kufri deepened our understanding of mountain ecosystem conservation.
7Pankaj Chouhan A refreshing experience amidst dense deodar forests and rich Himalayan biodiversity, Scenic Himalayan hills, dense deodar forests, and colonial charm together created a perfect blend of nature and heritage. Dharam Singh
Gateway to Green Wisdom With objective of Shaping Skills for Tomorrow’s Forest Guardians, this visit highlighted how knowledge, discipline, and field skills are shaped to build effective forest DFE Showcasing the integration of science, technology, and field management that guides sustainable forest and wildlife conservation in the country. FRI Offered insight into India’s rich legacy of forestry research and innovation. Its museums showcased the science behind sustainable forest management and conservation.
Learned scientific assessment and mapping of forest resources by modern tools to support informed conservation and management decisionsFSI WII Visit offered insights into advanced wildlife research, conservation strategies, and scientific management of biodiversity.WII Namit Gedam
@ FRI- Temple Of Forestry Pankaj Dhakar Through its silviculture, timber, and NTFP museums, FRI visit enhanced our understanding of forest management, utilization, and conservation as RFOs.
An insightful FSI visit offered valuable understanding of forest mapping, remote sensing, and the role of technology in managing forest resources. National Forest Library visit gave access to rare forestry literature, working plans, and research archives, enriching our understanding. Parul Agrawal Jaydevee Nayak
Session on National Forest Inventory design provided valuable insights into systematic sampling, data collection, and assessment techniques Sumit Pandey Black Suits, Green Roots
Krishna Kumar A GIANT PRESERVED IN WOOD A SILENT STORY OF CENTURIES The 704-year-old cross-section of deodar tree revealed centuries of growth, reflecting the resilience longevity of forest ecosystems
SHAPING FOREST GUARDIANS7 @DFE Director Meera Iyer Mam
THE CITY FARMING I N N O V A T I O N An insightful demonstration of city farming by the Director Mam (DFE) showcased how urban spaces can be transformed into productive green ecosystems.Rudrapratap Singh Gurjar
Nature’s Living Classroom Through winding Himalayan trails to Ghangaria, every step led us closer to nature’s masterpiece. The Valley of Flowers unfolded before us — a living canvas of color, biodiversity, and wonder. @Valley of Flowers
Rajul Gupta Akhilesh Salviya Wooden bridges over gushing streams, hidden caves, cascading waterfalls, and the refreshing coolness that defines this untouched Himalayan valley.Felt like stepping into a living canvas of nature. With misty mountains, vibrant blooms, the valley reflected the richness of Himalayan biodiversity.
@Pushpavati river
12Pramod Chandrawanshi Tejpal Dhamdhara The system of controlling Plastic poluution in Valley is as excelent as marvellous beauty of Valley of Flowers. An exciting journey through Bhoj, Firs tree, flowing streams, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes
Himalayan Horizons Unfolded7 With RFO Chetna Mam @ JOSHIMATH
THE WOODEN PILLARS7 @LBSNAA with Manish Sir
Devanshu Sharma Rumal Singh Learnt the values of public service, and responsible governance essential for protecting forests. The LBSNAA visit provided insights into the training and values that shape India’s civil servants
Into the wild we ventured, where every rustle of the forest carried the thrill of the unknown. Amid sal forests and riverbeds, the safari revealed the untamed spirit of India’s oldest national park Jim Corbett National Park Into the Wild —Duty Calls
10W I L D E R N E S S J U N G L E
Offered a close look at the unique sal forests, riverine belts, and grassland ecosystems, reflecting the park’s rich biodiversity. Maruti Gurav With RFO Sir @Jim Corbett
J U N G L E Exciting glimpse of wildlife habitats and practical lessons in wildlife management Sumit Gupta Trained canine squads play a crucial role in detecting wildlife crime and assisting forest officials in anti-poaching operations. Rajat Patidar
HIGHER Than The LIMITS Climbing through misty alpine trails, silent Himalayan heights, every step toward Tungnath felt like pushing beyond our own boundaries.
Tungnath’s Sacred Heights to Chandrashila’s Summit
Pushkar Garwal Witnessing the first sunrays at Chandrashila was a magical experience, as the Himalayan peaks turned golden Ubhay Singh Parihar Observed dense forests up to the tree line, with abundant lichens and mosses indicating a pristine, high- altitude environment.
WHERE DEVOTION MEETS THE SKY Ramakant GuptaA rewarding journey, offering knowledge of Alpine meadows & a true sense of adventure.
7CM Dhakad A thrilling experience, rewarding us with breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan peaks A blend of thrilling adventure and spiritual serenity, where every trail echoed with the beauty of nature and peace. Dilip Chouhan
Surrounded by sacred peaks and the flowing Alaknanda, it was a reminder of the deep spiritual and cultural connections between nature and human life.“Faith Amidst the Himalaya”15 @Badrinath Dham
15A deeply spiritual experience in majestic Himalayas A serene blend of devotion, nature, and tranquility. Gourav Chouhan Shambhulingappa
Where HILLS Meet The LAKE@ N a i n i t a l
The Garden visit offered a refreshing glimpse of the rich and diverse flora of the Himalayas. Priyank Tiwari Ganesh Bhalavi A place where calm waters and surrounding hills created a perfect harmony of nature and tranquility.
THE BIRD’S TREASURE7 @Bird Park Chandigarh
Showcased a vibrant collection of birds, reflecting the rich diversity and charm of avian life Shivam Tirole Learn about avian diversity, enclosure management, and the role of ex- situ conservation in protecting bird species. Satyam Tripathi
REVIVING NATURE’S CLEANERS7
Sincere efforts to safeguard Vulture population using systematic management by controlled enclosures and incubation centres Baljeet Singh Well-designed enclosures and incubation facilities to ensure future reintroduction of vultures into the wild Lovekesh Kawade
WINGS OF COLOR7 With RFO Sir @Butterfly park Chandigarh
WARDENS OF THE WILD7 @Chatbir Zoo
“TRACING THE JOURNEY: KHAIR TO KATHA.” @Nurpur
RRR: RIVER...REVERENCE... RITUALS7
Insights from Experience @ AK Bisaria SIr (Rtd. APCCF ) @ SN Tyagi SIr (Rtd. APCCF
RFO’S @ PRIDE OF THE NATION7 @Rashtrapatibhavan
From the trails of Ghanghariya to the cloud-kissed Himalayas of Kausani .
Jahanhvi Choudhary Faculty, GFRC From trekking through forests and visiting protected areas to interacting with field staff and observing wildlife management practices; trainees actively engage in discussions, maintained discipline, and show genuine curiosity towards forestry and conservation.
मैदान से उठे हम, एक नई उड़ान लए, वन क पुकार संग, हमालय क ओर चले। हमाचल क राह म खामोशी का डर, भूस् खलन क आशंका, फर भी हम् मत अमर; नूरपुर डीएफओ क सीख ने ये जताया, कानून ने ही हर डर को दू र भगाया। बदलते मौसम ने हम परखा हर बार, पर कदम बढ़ते रहे, अ डग और तैयार। धम शाला क वा दय म सुकून का एहसास,प्र कृ त क गोद म बसा अ त स् टे डयम खास। रोहतांग क ऊँचाई, बफ ली वो शान, मीठे जल क धार, जैसे प्र कृ त का वरदान। मनाली- शमला क मॉल रोड क रौनक, कुफरी क शालीनता, सुकून क झलक। देहरादू न के एफआरआई से ान का वस् तार, डीएफई नदेशक से सट फा म ग का मला नया वचार। चोपता के क ठन पथ ने साहस को परखा, हर मोड़ पर हमने खुद को और मजबूत रखा। “ह रत शखर के बीच”
भोर से पहले तुंगनाथ क ओर कदम बढ़ाए, सूरज क पहली करण संग शखर को पाए। जोशीमठ से ब नाथ क पावन राह, आ ा और हमालय का अ त संगम अथाह। घांघ रया क चढ़ाई, थकान भी थी साथ, पर फूल क घाट ने सजा दया हर रास् ता खास। झरन के कनारे भोजन का वो पल,प्र कृ त के संग जैसे ठहर गया हर कल। कौसानी क सुबह, सुनहरी वो प्र काश, हमालय क चो टय का अ त आभास। नैनीताल क शांत झील, मन को दे गई सुकून, हर लहर म बसी थी जैसे प्र कृ त क धुन। वनस्प त उ ान क ह रयाली ने मन हर लया, फूल और पौध ने ान का रंग भर दया। कॉब ट का जंगल, रोमांच से भरा, जहाँ हर कदम पर वन् य जीवन था खरा। और अंत म दल् ली का गौरव महान, राष्ट्र प त भवन—इ तहास क पहचान। हर सफर, हर मोड़, हर याद हसीन— सदा अं कत रहेगी, इन ह रत शखर के बीच ...........
With hearts full of memories and minds enriched with knowledge, I conclude this North India Tour Magazine. This journey was not merely about visiting places, but about understanding nature, conservation, and the spirit of forestry. The footprints we left on forest trails may fade, but the experiences, knowledge, and memories will remain etched forever in our hearts as future custodians of nature....... Until the Next Journey…
Batch of 2025-26