Lucknow/Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the Uttarayani Kauthig organized by the Parvatiya Mahaparishad, Lucknow, extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Uttarayani, Makar Sankranti, and Ghughutiya festivals. Greeting the mothers, sisters, elders, and youth who had come from various parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, he said that Uttarayani is not just a folk festival, but a powerful symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and connection to its roots.
The Chief Minister said that this Kauthig organized in Lucknow is a wonderful platform for preserving the shared cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The glimpses of folk songs, folk dances, folk costumes, handicrafts, and cottage industries not only keep our traditions alive but also strengthen local artisans and the rural economy. He described it as a strong example of putting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ resolution into practice.
Chief Minister Dhami praised the 25 years of cultural, social, and service work of the Parvatiya Mahaparishad, saying that the organization has done remarkable work in uniting thousands of Uttarakhandis living in Uttar Pradesh and keeping their language, culture, and traditions alive. Entering its silver jubilee year is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment.
Sharing his emotional connection with Lucknow, the Chief Minister said that this city has been his workplace, where he took the pledge of public service. He said that coming to Lucknow for cultural events like Uttarayani is like paying homage to his workplace.
Discussing the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that today India is not only developing but also establishing its culture, faith, and civilization on the global stage. Historical projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, Mahakal Lok, and the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya are the result of this vision. The ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’ campaign has woven the diverse culture of the country into a single thread.
The Chief Minister said that in line with this vision, the Uttarakhand government is moving forward by combining the development and heritage of Devbhoomi. Projects like the Kedarnath-Badrinath Master Plan, Kedarkhand and Manaskhand Temple Circuit Mission, Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, Haripur Yamuna Corridor, and the Golu Ji, Vivekananda, and Sharda Corridors are giving new grandeur to the state’s spiritual and cultural strength.
He said that Uttarakhand is not limited to pilgrimage alone. As a result of new policies, the state is emerging as a wedding destination, adventure hub, and film shooting destination. The ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’ and winter tourism campaigns have given a new impetus to tourism and the economy.
Discussing rural development, the Chief Minister said that schemes like the Home-Stay scheme, Lakhpati Didi, Solar Self-Employment Scheme, One District-Two Products, and House of Himalayas are ensuring prosperity in the villages.
The Chief Minister said that compared to the time of the state’s formation, Uttarakhand’s economy has grown 26 times. Per capita income has increased 17 times to ₹2,74,064. The state budget has increased from ₹4,000 crore to over ₹1 lakh crore. Electricity generation has increased fourfold, the length of roads has doubled, and 10 government and private medical colleges are operational. The maternal mortality rate has decreased by 12%.
He informed that under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, 1.68 lakh women have become self-reliant so far. According to the Migration Prevention Commission report, there has been a 44% reverse migration. Uttarakhand is among the leading states in increasing farmers’ income and providing employment to the youth. Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the country in the NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals Index 2023-24.
The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to protecting the identity, security, and original character of Devbhoomi (Land of Gods). Strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws have been implemented. So far, more than 10,000 acres of government land have been freed from illegal encroachments. Action has been taken against those who defame Sanatan Dharma under Operation Kalnemi. More than 250 illegal madrasas have been sealed, and more than 500 illegal structures have been demolished. After July 1, 2026, only madrasas following the government curriculum will be allowed to operate.
He said that by implementing strict land laws, Devbhoomi (Uttarakhand) is being protected from the mafia. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). More than 100 exam cheating mafia members have been sent to jail under the anti-cheating law, and more than 26,000 youths have received government jobs through a transparent process in the last four and a half years.
Chief Minister Dhami said that this is the new Uttarakhand—where development, trust, and opportunities go hand in hand. He reiterated his “unwavering resolve” to make Devbhoomi Uttarakhand a leading state in the country and appealed to everyone for their cooperation and blessings. Office bearers of the Parvatiya Mahaparishad, a large number of expatriate Uttarakhandis, and local people were present at the event.
