Uttarakhand State PCS

• 13 Jun 2024

'Home of the Himalayas' Initiative

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has partnered with Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) to bolster tourism promotion of the picturesque Adi Kailash & Om Parvat. PFT is renowned for its AI prowess and exceptional media services. 

• The partnership aims to create videos of the region under the 'Home of the Himalayas' initiative.

Key Points 

• The collaboration between UTDB and PFT is expected to give an impetus to position Uttarakhand as a global tourism hotspot, showcasing its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and unique tourism experiences. 
• The "Home of the Himalayas" initiative, coined by PFT, focuses on two key areas: 
  • refreshing Uttarakhand Tourism brand identity 
  • creating high-quality content to promote tourism.
    • The 'Home of the Himalayas' initiative marks a transformative milestone in Uttarakhand's journey towards global recognition. 

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)

• It advises the Government on all matters relating to tourism in the state. The statutory board is chaired by the Tourism Minister, Government of Uttarakhand, and the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand is its vice chairman.
• The Principal Secretary/Secretary of Tourism acts as Chief Executive Officer. It also has five non-official members from the private sector and experts in tourism-related matters.

Adi Kailash & Om Parvat

• Adi Kailash is known as Shiva Kailash, Chota Kailash, Baba Kailash or Jonglingkong Peak, is a mountain located in the Himalayan mountain range in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
• Om Parvat is also a part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that includes visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
• The revered mountains of Adi Kailash & OM Parvat are located on Indo-China border in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. 
• Both peaks bear significant religious importance for devotees of Lord Shiva.