Roorkee: IIT Roorkee has entered into three pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) to revitalize and preserve the cultural heritage, craft traditions, and tourism in Uttarakhand.

These partnerships are part of the Institute's broader strategy to merge design, technology, and culture for sustainable development and societal impact.

One key initiative, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD) collaboration with IGNCA, focuses on craft incubation and revitalization. Aimed at empowering local artisans, this project seeks to preserve traditional crafts in Uttarakhand while fostering sustainable livelihoods.

By integrating innovative design techniques and cultural storytelling, the collaboration aims to blend local traditions with modern practices, aligning with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.

Additionally, IIT Roorkee's partnership with UTDB focuses on revitalizing tourism in the state through unique and culturally rich designs.

The project, part of India's G20 Presidency, produced creative designs that highlighted Uttarakhand's natural beauty and cultural heritage, helping to establish the state as a premier tourist destination. These designs gained visibility across various media platforms, contributing to a distinctive visual identity for the region.

IIT Roorkee is also working on a Public Art Project with UTDB to install art pieces in five key locations across Uttarakhand, reflecting the state's cultural ethos, natural beauty, and historical significance. This initiative is expected to engage local communities and attract tourists, enriching the cultural and economic landscape of the state.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating they reflect the Institute's commitment to advancing national priorities such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local while fostering sustainable growth in Uttarakhand. Through these collaborations, IIT Roorkee continues to merge tradition with innovation, driving long-term impact for local communities and the nation.