It has been a long, enriching, insightful and deeply connected journey of Rural Development Institute serving the rural populace of Uttarakhand and many parts around.

Rural Development Institute has been celebrating its Foundation Day on September 20-21 every year. This year too an enthusiastic spirit has led to formalizing the event through webinar and field interactions.

Initiating the celebrations, Senior Advisor SRHU Engineer Shri H.P. Uniyal was felicitated on August 27th. Other eminent personalities in Uttarakhand, who have contributed towards supporting sustainable livelihood for rural communities, were also facilitated.

Education based programs were rolled out in various fields in which a survey was done over 200 students to assess the knowledge level of children after COVID. Bags and stationery kits were distributed to 250 children. Over 290 participants received training on Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. 250 women received training on Menstrual Health Management. People with disability were given assistive devices.

The pandemic of COVID has made the entire global population experience health crisis in so many different ways. The strongest link that emerged out of this was the frontline health worker. This webinar on “Health Workers for Next Generation” explored the scope of health workers in times to come, managing a scenario parallel to the pandemic, exploring digitization as the next step in health management at grass-root level and understanding the challenges of health workers in this process of becoming future ready.

Amidst the urgency of rebuilding and coming on track, the education sector was at the forefront along with healthcare activities. It led to a forced adoption of digitization among various teaching groups. Those familiar with technology managed to sail through but teachers and students from our rural areas were left to figure alternates even further. The webinar on “Bridging the Gaps in Primary Education” explored digital platforms, their challenges and how those gaps can be filled.

Speakers profile included participation from AIIMS Rishikesh, Social Development Communities, and Foundation for Medical Research, UNFPA, State Council of Education Research and Training, Pratham, Room to Read, Azim Premji Foundation.

Entire RDI staff enthusiastically participated in these events which were celebrated in RDI premises, and amongst rural communities in Doiwala, Yamkeshwar, Chakrata, Kalsi, Jehrikhal, Bhatwaadi and Bahadrabad blocks.