Jammu University researchers meet Army chief to dedicate rare mushroom discovery to Kargil bravehearts

In a significant gesture of scientific achievement and national pride, Professor Yash Pal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, and Mr. Syed Azhar Jawad Hashmi from the Department of Botany, University of Jammu, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) at New Delhi, to brief him on their recent discovery of a novel edible mushroom — Pleurotus shentelii. This rare species, locally known as ‘Shentilli’ in the Sheena language, has been found to grow exclusively in the cold, arid Trans-Himalayan region of Drass and Mushkoh in Kargil, Ladakh.

During the meeting, the researchers highlighted the significance of the mushroom, not just as a scientific breakthrough, but also for its potential medicinal, wellness, and nutritional benefits. The discussion emphasized sustainable uses of India’s rich biodiversity to support the health and well-being of soldiers stationed in remote and extreme terrains. The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) expressed his appreciation for the pioneering research and assured the University of Jammu team of the Army’s full support in advancing this initiative, recognizing its potential to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of troops and sustainable development in high-altitude regions. This confluence of science, sustainability, and national service marks a symbolic and functional advancement, showing how biodiversity can be harnessed not only for academic and ecological significance but also to serve the nation’s defenders.

Recognizing the valour of Indian soldiers who operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, the Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu deputed Prof. Sharma and Mr. Hashmi to dedicate this scientific discovery to the Kargil Bravehearts on the eve of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas — a tribute to their unmatched courage and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. As Pleurotus shentelii thrives in the harshest of climates, so does the Indian soldier—resilient, enduring, and life-sustaining in one of the world’s most unforgiving frontiers”. reads the message.

The highly nutritious mushroom was discovered as part of a research project sanctioned to Prof Yash Pal Sharma by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

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