Cherry Blossom founder conferred 'Top Sustainability Laureate Award'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2024:
Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo from University of Delhi, also known as the founder of Cherry Blossom Festivals in India has been conferred the "Top Sustainability Laureate Award 2023" for his outstanding contributions in the field of Sustainable Development and Climate Change.
The former Director of Manipur based Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India has been championing the cause of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresources Management at the grass roots both in the Himalayan region as well in the coastal states of India, said a release.
Sahoo who was the Founder Director of Centre for Himalayan Studies, started a Cherry Blossom movement in the North East Himalayas which led to successful Cherry Blossom Festivals and inspired the people to protect the fragile ecosystems.
His sustained efforts led to planting of nearly 60,000 cherry Blossom trees alone across North Eastern states.
Recently a new cherry blossom plant species 'Prunus dinabandhuana' has been named after him by the scientists.
Sahoo received the award from India Green Awards for Environment and Sustainability Excellence in a glittering function held at Udaipur, Rajasthan which was inaugurated by former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu and attended by several eminent people.
Industrial houses like TATA, JSW, Larsen & Tubro, Kanpur Metro Project, Bangalore Metro Rail, Ahmedabad Metro Rail etc received other awards for the best Environmental Practices in different categories.