Dehradun: The Times of India's 'TOI Dialogues' event convened in Dehradun, spotlighting Uttarakhand's growth story and bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and icons from various fields. The event served as a platform to celebrate stories of inspiration and engage in conversations shaping the future of the state.
The day commenced with a discussion on "The Uttarakhand Story – From Screen to Success," featuring actors Abhilash Thapliyal, Asha Negi, and Sukriti Kandpal, who shared their journeys from the Himalayan region to national recognition. Following this, bestselling author Akshat Gupta engaged in a conversation exploring the intersection of mythology, science, and immortality.
Another key discussion, themed "The Spirit of Devbhoomi – Grit, Glory, and Beyond," celebrated resilience and determination, with sports figures Rani Rampal and Mir Ranjan Singh Negi, along with actor-athlete Chitrashi Rawat, reflecting on their personal journeys. Actor and author Ashutosh Rana led a session titled "Ram and Raavan: The Duality Within," delving into human dualities and questions of morality.
A major highlight of the event was the 'Integrated Launch & Visionary Dialogue', where Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Ashutosh Rana jointly unveiled the 'Icons of Uttarakhand' logo and discussed "Spirituality, Temples, and the Future of Uttarakhand," focusing on development priorities and cultural heritage. The program also included a conversation with actor Neena Gupta, who shared her experiences with fearless choices, resilience, and creative evolution.
The concluding session, "Governing the Hills," brought together thought leaders BD Tiwari, R Rajesh Kumar, Vishal Mishra, and Sandeep Sahni to discuss sustainable governance, health, tourism, and conservation.
Earlier editions of TOI Dialogues have successfully highlighted the unique narratives and opportunities within India's diverse regions. According to Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of Timesofindia.com, TOI Dialogues aims to amplify Uttarakhand's blend of tradition and progress to a global audience, showcasing the state's rich heritage and its role in India's growth. The event held on September 10 at the Hyatt Regency Dehradun, was the second edition of TOI Dialogues,. The dialogues explored Uttarakhand's emergence as a model of sustainable growth, with discussions on economic potential and cultural tourism, showcasing local success stories and artistic performances.
