A new effort to bring Uttarakhand’s diaspora together in Germany took shape at a convention held in Berlin on 3 October. Organised by the Uttarakhand Pravasi Parishad, Germany, the meeting brought together residents of Berlin and Brandenburg with links to different parts of the hill state.

The gathering included people connected with Dehradun, Pauri, Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Lansdowne, Nainital and Tehri. Information technology and medical professionals attended alongside people working in other fields and students.

For many participants, the event offered a rare opportunity to meet fellow Uttarakhand residents after a long period. Conversations moved from village memories and childhood experiences to the challenges of maintaining a connection with the mountains while living abroad.

Council focuses on identity and community support

The council’s main executive committee includes Dr Yojana Sah Jain from Dehradun, Sundar Tangariya from Bageshwar and Karam Singh from Tehri Garhwal.

Dr Yojana Jain said the organisation aims to keep Uttarakhand’s culture, language and traditions alive in Germany. She also highlighted the importance of helping younger members remain connected to their roots and making a positive contribution to the Indian community in Germany.

She said the council intends to develop beyond cultural programmes. Its future work is expected to include social and community support, creating a wider platform for Uttarakhand residents in Germany.

Karam Singh said the broader goal was to build a strong community in which every Uttarakhand resident living in Germany could feel connected to their identity and heritage.

Quiz brings history and culture into the programme

The convention included a quiz based on Uttarakhand’s culture and history. Sundar Tangariya prepared the quiz, and participants took part enthusiastically while answering questions related to the state.

The activity added an interactive element to the discussions about heritage. It also gave participants an opportunity to engage with Uttarakhand’s history and cultural knowledge in a shared setting.

Pahari songs create a link with home

The programme combined organisational discussions with music and dance. Participants sang and danced to traditional Pahari songs, including “Bedu Pako Bara Masa” and “Hai Teri Rumala”.

The songs brought memories of villages and the mountains into the Berlin gathering. Participants also discussed the need to pass Uttarakhand’s cultural traditions on to the next generation, particularly among families living outside India.

Plans to connect Uttarakhandis across Germany

At the close of the convention, participants resolved to strengthen the council and connect Uttarakhand residents living in other German cities. They also agreed on the need to take the state’s culture, language and traditions to communities in Germany and other parts of the world.

The Berlin meeting therefore served 2 purposes: it gave members of the diaspora a chance to reconnect, and it marked an organised attempt to create a broader community network. The initiative seeks to bring together people from different districts while preserving their shared cultural ties abroad.

Conclusion

The Berlin convention launched a platform focused on Uttarakhand’s culture, language, traditions and community links, with plans to reach residents in more German cities and support connections across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When was the Uttarakhand Pravasi Sammelan held in Berlin?

The convention was held on 3 October.

Q. Who organised the Berlin convention?

It was organised by the Uttarakhand Pravasi Parishad, Germany.

Q. Which areas did the participants represent?

Participants had links to Dehradun, Pauri, Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Lansdowne, Nainital and Tehri, among other parts of Uttarakhand.

Q. Who serves on the council’s main executive committee?

The committee includes Dr Yojana Sah Jain, Sundar Tangariya and Karam Singh.

Q. What activities were held during the convention?

The programme featured a quiz on Uttarakhand’s culture and history, along with singing and dancing to traditional Pahari songs.

Q. What does the council plan to do next?

Participants agreed to strengthen the council and connect Uttarakhand residents living in different cities across Germany.