Innovative Livelihoods in Rural Uttarakhand: Best Practices & Way Ahead

11th December 2023, Hotel Inderlok, Dehradun

6th RST Forum was organised today, on the occasion of International Mountain Day by Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU), remembering the contributions made by the late Dr Raghunandan Singh Tolia. Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU) in support of The Himmotthan Society, Doon Library & Research Centre and State Bank of India organized the 6th RST Forum 2023 on “Innovative Livelihoods in Rural Uttarakhand: Best Practices & Way Ahead” today 11 December 23. The RST Lecture 2023 titled “Thinking Like a Mountain: Development Imperative in Uttarakhand” is delivered by Dr BK Joshi (Founder Doon Library & Research Centre, Former VC Kumaon University and Councilor SDFU). The highlight points were that there is a great gap in development between the districts of the hill areas as well as the plain areas. He said we have to look at people-centric and local resources-based development. He also said that climate change is one of the biggest threats for the Himalayas which will have to be taken into consideration for any kind of development. The important points highlighted by Sri Anand Swaroop (Ad Secretary Rural Development & CEO of Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission) are government is promoting women-based rural development in the state. Programs like ‘Digital Sakhi’ and ‘Pashu Sakhi’ are being promoted. He also said that the products from Uttarakhand will be sold under a common brand ‘House of Himalaya’.

The group comprised of State Government Officials, members from civil society practitioners, and members from rural communities. The workshop aimed to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders to discuss the best practices on Rural Innovative Livelihood, Measuring the last two decades in rural Livelihoods and Reimagining Uttarakhand its challenges and way ahead.