Dehradun: At the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Uttarakhand’s true identity lies in its spiritual power. If Uttarakhand resolves, it can establish itself as the spiritual capital of the world within the next few years. Its sacred temples, ashrams, and yoga can be connected to the global network.
In a 28-minute speech at the ceremony held at the FRI campus on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enumerated the achievements of Uttarakhand’s 25-year development journey and also offered a mantra to take the state to new heights in the future. He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 31 development projects worth ₹8,260 crore. In his familiar style, the PM began his speech with the greetings of “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand ka mera bhai bandhu, didi, bhuliyon, daana sayaano, aap sab tay myaru namaskar.” He said, “November 9th is the fruit of the long penance of the people of Uttarakhand.”
This day fills every Uttarakhandi with pride. Paying tribute to the martyrs of the statehood movement, he said that the hopes and aspirations with which the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the center created the state of Uttarakhand 25 years ago are now being fulfilled. When the new state was formed, there were many challenges; the state had limited resources, and the budget and sources of income were also limited. At that time, most needs were met with central assistance, but now the picture of Uttarakhand has completely changed.
Uttarakhand has traveled a long journey of development in the last 25 years, but now the state has to set a roadmap for the next 25 years. To achieve this, the state must adopt the principle of “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” On its foundation day, the state must set development goals and move forward. Uttarakhand has now become a film destination. Uttarakhand is developing as a wedding destination. To take advantage of the “Wed in India” campaign, Uttarakhand must develop several destinations with luxurious amenities. Vocal for Local will fulfill the commitment to a developed India. The GI tag for Bedu fruit and Badri cow ghee will give Uttarakhand recognition.
The House of Himalayas brand is providing a platform for local products. The state’s development journey faced many obstacles, but the BJP government overcame these obstacles with strong determination. The double-engine government is elevating Uttarakhand’s potential to new heights. We must choose the heights Uttarakhand will reach when the country celebrates its 100th year of independence. Therefore, without waiting, we must forge our own path. The central government will always stand with Uttarakhand on this journey. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.), Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, along with all cabinet ministers, several former Chief Ministers, MPs, and MLAs were present at the event.
The mantra of the One District One Fair campaign is to connect tourists with culture.
The Prime Minister said that the soul of the state resides in fairs and festivals. Uttarakhand must focus on its hidden potential. The One District One Fair campaign can put Uttarakhand on the world map by connecting tourists to vibrant fairs like Nanda Devi, Jauljivi, Bageshwar Uttarayani, Devidhura, Shravani, and the Butter Festival, along with festivals like Harela, Fuldei, and Bhintoli. Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and homestays need to be developed in every assembly constituency. Vibrant villages can be developed as small tourist centers. When tourists immerse themselves in the homely atmosphere of homestays, feast on chutkani, roti, arsa, and jhangora kheer, they will want to come back a second or third time. Kiwi, herbal, and aroma cultivation have been promoted in every district; this is the future of agriculture.
