Manali : Continuing their exposure visit to Himachal Pradesh, the Odisha media delegation visited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, and received a detailed briefing on the institute’s adventure training and skill development initiatives.
Officials informed that the institute, established on September 16, 1961, and functioning under the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the country’s leading adventure training institutions. Originally known as the Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, ABVIMAS conducts a wide range of programmes including mountaineering, skiing, trekking, water sports, aero sports, mountain biking, and disaster management training. The institute has till date successfully trained more than 2 lakhs people under various disciplines.
The delegation was briefed about the institute’s extensive institutional network across Himachal Pradesh, which includes regional centres for mountaineering, water sports, high-altitude trekking, skiing and aero sports at locations such as Dharamshala, Pong Dam, Narkanda, Hatkoti, Jispa, Bharmour, Bilaspur, Solang Valley, Pirdi and Bir Billing. These centres organize various courses such as basic and advanced mountaineering, skiing, river rafting, paragliding, trekking guide programmes and adventure camps aimed at promoting youth engagement and adventure tourism.
Officials also highlighted that the institute conducts specialized training programmes including search and rescue, disaster management and expedition-based learning, contributing to capacity building and safety awareness in mountainous terrain. The institute plays an important role in promoting adventure sports while supporting tourism and livelihood opportunities in the region.
The delegation toured the training infrastructure, equipment facilities and interacted with instructors to gain firsthand insights into the institute’s activities and training methodologies.
The Odisha media delegation wrapped up its sixth day visit to Himachal Pradesh, gaining valuable insights into various central government initiatives and projects. The team’s itinerary included visits to prominent institutions such as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, ARTRAC and Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla. They also explored and reviewed projects undertaken by NHAI and Border Roads Organization including the majestic Atal tunnel, deepening their understanding of the region’s development landscape. The team also called on the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
Shri Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, and Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar, accompanied the delegation of senior journalists during the visit.