At the occasion of Shikhar Travels 32nd Anniversary, Capt. Swadesh Kumar, Managing Director, expressed that the years gone by had been exciting and challenging and sometime turbulent but very satisfactory and joyous at the same time. Shikhar Travels (India), one of the leading adventure companies in India established in 1979, firmly believes it is their responsibility to provide benefits to the community they work with. As part of Shikhar's Corporate Social Responsibility, Capt. Swadesh Kumar, launched Shikhar Eco Foundation (SEF) in an attempt to give back to the communities he has got from.
Capt. Swadesh Kumar promotes responsible travel and tourism to enhance conservation of the environment and to improve the economy of those areas. He is committed to employ 70-90% of the staff from local communities at his business centers. In addition, to empower the local communities, Capt. Kumar from time to time has organized training programs and intends to continue that. He strongly believes that eco-tourism can give a strong boost to development of the natural habitats and help enhance the quality of life among the local communities, hence he strongly promotes it.
Shikhar Eco Foundation has adopted Agoda village, in district Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India on the Dodital Trek trail. Agoda, the first Rural Tourism Village in Uttarakhand is very close to Shikhar Nature Resort, Uttarkashi, India.Shikhar Eco Foundation supported by Forest Department, Uttarakhand Government and in collaboration with Dodital Eco Vikas Samiti organized a two day “Training program for Lodge Owners and Trekking Guides” on 13-14 August 2010 at Shikhar Nature Resort, Uttarkashi.
Further, Shikhar joined hands with the Forest Department, WWF India and the Agoda village community to clean Dodital Lake and trek route. A four-day expedition was carried out from 8th to 11th November 2010 during which twenty-five sacks of non-biodegradable garbage were collect and sent for recycling. Shikhar also organized a half day workshop for children of Junior School, Agoda Village to teach them about ecology and eco-tourism.
Shikhar has also created a website for the Dodital Eco Vikas Samiti to help them promote and market their products. Shikhar Eco Foundation is wholly funded by Shikhar Travels India Pvt. Ltd.