Dehradun, December 11: A glimmer of hope for sustainable development lit up Uttarakhand on International Mountain Day as enterprising youth and civil society leaders came together to push for sustainable growth and youth empowerment.

 The event, organized by the Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU) at the IRDT Auditorium in Dehradun, marked a rare yet inspiring celebration of the state’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Themed “Networking for Sustainable Development and Youth Empowerment in Uttarakhand,” the day-long program showcased innovative success stories, underlined the role of youth, and churned out recommendations for the 16th Finance Commission.

Experts, entrepreneurs, and civil society members pledged to build a greener and more resilient future for the state.

Highlights of the Day

The 7th R.S. Tolia Memorial Lecture was the centerpiece of the event. Delivered by Ms. Jyotsna Siting, former PCCF Van Panchayat and retired IFS officer, it focused on promoting a green economy through Uttarakhand’s unique biodiversity.

She emphasized how the state’s rich natural heritage could inspire youth-driven green economic projects and attract impactful investments.

Key speakers included IMI President Ramesh Negi (IAS), who was the chief guest and Ms. Vibha Puri Das (IAS), who chaired the event.

Inaugural Chief Guest Sri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman of SIETU, called for robust policy frameworks to guide the state’s sustainable transformation.

“We need long-term policies that leverage Uttarakhand’s natural and human resources effectively,” Joshi stressed, hailing SIETU as a guiding think tank for sustainable development.

Success Stories Take the Spotlight

The event brimmed with stories of innovation and grit:

• Village Ways Team: Deepak Joshi and Tara S. Takuli shared how sustainable tourism can empower local communities while preserving the ecosystem.
• Himalayan Haat: Divya Chowfin’s eco-tourism initiative showcased the perfect blend of community upliftment and heritage conservation.
• Waste Warriors Society: Members like Mayank Sharma and Sadhana highlighted impactful waste management practices that benefit both the environment and local livelihoods.
• Tapish Solar Pvt. Ltd.: Lokesh Saklani demonstrated how clean energy can transform rural economies.

Each speaker underscored how small, sustainable ventures can become powerful agents of change, offering a roadmap for youth to embrace eco-friendly entrepreneurship.

Collaborations and Policy Goals

The forum also saw spirited discussions on policy frameworks for green enterprises.

Entrepreneurs and government representatives, including Poonam Chand of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Dr. Pankaj Naithani from the Directorate of Environment & Science, explored ways to scale successful initiatives.

IMI Secretary Roshan Rai called for stronger collaborations, stating, “Partnerships between the government, civil society, and businesses are essential for long-term impact.”

Report Release and Future Plans

A report on the "Meet of Mountains" held in Delhi earlier this year was released during the event, providing additional insights into sustainable development challenges and opportunities.

The day concluded with a resolution to document all proceedings and submit them to the government as actionable recommendations.

For Uttarakhand’s youth and stakeholders, the event served as a rallying cry to turn aspirations into action, ensuring the mountains thrive alongside their people.

This International Mountain Day  which remains largely forgotten in rest of the Himalayan region,  comes here as a reminder that with collective effort, sustainable development in the Himalayan state isn’t just a dream but an achievable reality.