RST Forum (R S Tolia Forum ) was started as a knowledge vertical to commemorate the vision of Dr. R S Tolia, a legendary scholar-administrator, RTI activist and a lover of mountains and forests. Dr. Tolia was a great institution builder, and his tenure as the first FRDC of Uttarakhand, and later as the Chief Secretary and the Chief Information Commissioner of the state are notable for the several initiatives that have stood the test of time. After Dr. Tolia’s untimely passing away, several activities were started by his fellow colleagues to continue his legacy and vision forward. A few institutions have been named after him and some have dedicated awards after him.
The Sustainable Development Forum Uttaranchal (SDFU), founded by Dr. Tolia and fellow mountain development thinkers of Uttarakhand, brings together persons from different walks of life, discusses the development concerns of the mountain areas and catalyzes action from the various stakeholders. SDFU and literature festival Valley of Words (VOW) hosted the first few editions of the RST Forum with generous support from Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology( UCOST), which promoted Development Literature and Development Dialogue. It was an attempt to create that space for Development Literature in mainstream and initiate Development Dialogue among all the stakeholders. Event also hosted Craft Exhibition to showcase the best of Himalayan Creative Industries and their role in pushing the economy and potential to generate livelihoods.
RST Forum 2021
Due to COVID pandemic, the RST Forum could not be organized at the same scale in recent years. In order to revive this important forum, SDFU has decided to start with a hybrid model event this year, with a vision to organize a full scale event next year.
RST Forum 2021 will be organized, with the support of UCOST, on 24 December 2021 and will feature some events as below to commemorate the fourth RST forum.
The theme selected this year for the forum is ‘ Keeping our Mountains Resilient’ Past and our Future . The Forum will have a key note address as well as an event involving the youth of Uttarakhand from different walks titled ‘Keeping our Mountains Resilient – Voices from the Youth’ .
The physical event will be organized at ( venue details) and virtually through ZOOM. The event will also be available through Youtube and Facebook broadcast.
Please register at this link :
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VZBO4b_nQzCxdf7eV3wmow
