PRSI exhibition offers a window into Uttarakhand’s culture, craft and capacity

DEHRADUN: From ancient temples and folk art to disaster response gear and urban housing models, an exhibition held alongside the three-day national convention of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) in Dehradun offered delegates a layered portrait of Uttarakhand — rooted in tradition yet navigating modern challenges.

Hosted at a hotel on Sahastradhara Road, the exhibition drew steady interest from over 300 communication and public relations professionals from across the country, along with a small international delegation. Instead of glossy pitches, the stalls attempted to narrate stories — of heritage conservation, women-led livelihoods, cooperative farming and institutional preparedness — that together define the state’s evolving identity.

One of the most visited sections was the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stall, which highlighted conservation work at 44 protected temples in Uttarakhand. Officials explained how structures such as Kedarnath, Jageshwar and Hanōl have been preserved, including post-disaster restoration after the 2013 floods. Panels detailed how the Kedarnath temple’s original architecture was retained during repairs and how similar care is being taken under the Badrinath master plan.

Urban development and housing also featured prominently. The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) showcased ongoing and proposed residential projects aimed at addressing the city’s housing needs, particularly in the affordable segment. Models and maps outlined projects in areas such as Dhaulas, ISBT and Sahastradhara Road, alongside green initiatives like the city forest park and the development of neighbourhood parks. Officials said the emphasis was on balancing growth with environmental sensitivity in the Doon valley.

Agriculture-linked livelihoods found representation through Aanchal Dairy, the cooperative brand of the Uttarakhand Cooperative Dairy Federation. The stall traced the journey of milk from hill villages to urban consumers and highlighted the role of nearly 50,000 small and marginal farmers associated with the network. The focus, representatives said, was not just on milk supply but on adding value through dairy products to improve farmer incomes.

Handicrafts made from hemp fibre, nettle (kandali) and wool stood out for their understated aesthetic and sustainable origins. Products displayed by a Rishikesh-based organisation included jackets, shawls and winterwear, drawing interest from delegates unfamiliar with these traditional materials. Artisans associated with the stall spoke of growing urban demand for eco-friendly textiles, even as scaling up remains a challenge.

Folk art, particularly Uttarakhand’s traditional aipan, found a contemporary voice through women-led initiatives. One such effort from Ramnagar showcased how the ritual art form has been adapted into home décor and lifestyle products. The stall underlined how traditional skills, when linked to markets and training, can become tools of economic independence for rural women.

The exhibition also reflected the state’s experience with disasters. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) displayed rescue equipment and shared data on operations carried out this year, including mountain rescues and flood response. Officials said coordination between SDRF, NDRF and local police remains critical in a terrain as fragile and unpredictable as Uttarakhand’s.

A less formal but hugely popular feature was a “selfie point” designed as a traditional hill house, complete with stone-and-wood detailing and carved doors. More than a photo opportunity, it became a visual reminder of mountain architecture adapted to climate and seismic realities, and of a way of life centred on simplicity and community.