Deadline: 31-Oct-21
The Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) is currently seeking nominations for the Dr. R.S. Tolia Award to recognize and reward the exemplary work of individuals whose work has created an impact / has the potential to impact sustainable prosperity and well-being of the people of the Mountain states in India. In exceptional cases organizations can also be considered. However, the preference will be to recognize individuals.
The Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) community suffered a great loss in 2016 with the passing away of its esteemed and visionary leader, elder, and guiding light. Dr. R.S. Tolia conceptualized the idea of IMI, got like-minded people onboard and led it from the front as its founding President. His passion and commitment towards improving the lives of mountain communities is what drove him. There are few people who have had such a profound impact on the future direction of mountain development as Dr. Tolia. His vision and commitment for the formation of a pan- Indian mountain movement not only unified diverse mountain states of India but also inspired others. His deep understanding of the links among people, cultures, livelihoods and mountain environment undoubtedly influenced a generation of researchers, organizations and policymakers.
While his passionate determination will continue to inspire people, IMI community aims to encourage passionate individuals to carry forward the cause of integrated mountain development to commemorate the memory of Dr. Tolia and in gratitude to its founding President. Therefore, in 2017 IMI resolved to institute the ‘Dr RS Tolia Award’ to recognize efforts that have made an impact in integrating and addressing the issues of mountain communities.
Award Information
The value of the award is INR 1 lakh and a citation. In addition, IMI will cover all related expense such as travel/accommodation of the award winner as appropriate.
Eligibility Criteria
- Individuals whose work has created an impact or have the potential to impact the lives and sustainability of Mountain areas positively, are eligible to apply for the Award.
- In rare cases, they may recognize institutions where such institutions are systematically responsible for driving action that meets the purpose of this award.
- The award will not be restricted to any particular sector or fields of action.
- Innovation at grass root levels with widespread application/ impact as well as policy advocacy aimed at addressing issues and challenges of mountain states in India, are eligible for consideration for the award.
- Academic research that informs policy formulation and action research with similar impact are also eligible.
- The award is aimed at celebrating the contribution of mountain people working to improve the lives of mountain people and sustainable prosperity of states in the Indian Himalayan Region. However, eligibility for nomination for the award is not restricted to people from mountains only. If some individuals’ / organizations’ work has made a huge positive impact on the people of the Indian Himalayan Region, they will be recognized irrespective of where they come from.
For more information, visit https://www.mountaininitiative.in/