Greetings to my brothers and sisters, friends, sisters, and elders of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. 

The Governor of Uttarakhand, Gurmeet Singh ji; Chief Minister Pushkar Singh ji; my colleague in the Union government, Ajay Tamta ji; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Sister Ritu ji; ministers of the Uttarakhand government; former chief ministers and Members of Parliament present on stage; revered saints who have come in large numbers to bless us; and all other distinguished guests, my brothers and sisters of Uttarakhand!

Friends,

This day, i.e., November 9 is the result of a long penance. Today fills us all with a sense of pride. The devout people of Uttarakhand had long dreamed of this day, and that dream was fulfilled 25 years ago during Atal ji’s government. Now, after 25 years of that journey, seeing the heights that Uttarakhand has reached today, it is natural for every person who struggled for the creation of this beautiful state to feel joy and pride. The hearts of those who love the mountains, who are attached to the culture, natural beauty, and the people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand are filled with happiness and delight today.

Friends,

I am also happy that the double-engine BJP government is working tirelessly to take Uttarakhand’s potential to new heights. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand. On this occasion, I pay homage to those martyrs of Uttarakhand who sacrificed their lives during the movement for statehood. I also bow to all those who participated in that movement.

Friends,

You all know how deep my connection with Uttarakhand is. When I used to come here on spiritual journeys, I was always inspired by the struggles of my brothers and sisters living in these mountains, their hard work, their perseverance, and their determination to overcome every difficulty.

Friends,

The days I spent here gave me a firsthand experience of Uttarakhand’s boundless potential. That is why, after having the darshan of Baba Kedar, when I said that this decade belongs to Uttarakhand, it was not just a mere statement. I said it with complete faith in all of you. And today, as Uttarakhand completes 25 years of its formation, my faith has only grown stronger that this is truly the era of Uttarakhand’s rise and glory.

Friends,

When Uttarakhand was newly formed 25 years ago, the challenges were immense. Resources were limited, the state’s budget was meagre, sources of income were very few, and most needs were met through central assistance. But today, the picture has completely changed. Before coming here, I visited the magnificent exhibition organized for the Silver Jubilee celebrations. I urge all of you, every citizen of Uttarakhand, to visit that exhibition. It showcases glimpses of Uttarakhand’s journey over the past 25 years. The inspiring stories of success in infrastructure, education, industry, tourism, health, power, and rural development are truly commendable. Twenty-five years ago, the budget of Uttarakhand was only 4,000 crore rupees. Today’s youth who are 25 years old would have no idea what that time was like. Back then, the annual budget of the state was 4,000 crore rupees. Today, it has crossed 1 lakh crore rupees. In these 25 years, power generation in Uttarakhand has increased fourfold. The total length of roads has doubled in the last 25 years. Earlier, only 4,000 air passengers used to come here in six months. Now, more than 4,000 people arrive in a single day by air.

Friends,

In these 25 years, the number of engineering colleges has increased more than tenfold. Earlier, there was only one medical college. Today there are ten medical colleges. Twenty-five years ago, vaccine coverage was not even 25 percent; more than 75 percent of people began life without any vaccination. But today, nearly every village in Uttarakhand has come under full vaccine coverage. That means, Uttarakhand has made remarkable progress in every aspect of life. This journey of development has been extraordinary. This is the result of inclusive policies, and the determination of every Uttarakhandi. Earlier, steep mountain slopes seemed to block the road of development, but now, those very paths have opened new ways forward.

Friends,

A short while ago, I spoke with the youth and entrepreneurs of Uttarakhand. They are all very enthusiastic about the state’s growth. Though I might make a few mistakes, I would like to express the feelings of the people of Uttarakhand in Garhwali that by 2047, when Bharat stands among the developed nations, my Uttarakhand, my Devbhoomi, will be fully ready for it.

Friends,

Several projects have been inaugurated and their foundations laid today to further accelerate Uttarakhand’s development journey. These projects, related to education, health, tourism, and sports, will create new employment opportunities. The Jamrani and Song Dam projects will play a major role in solving the drinking water problems of Dehradun and Haldwani. More than 8,000 crore rupees will be spent on these schemes. I congratulate the people of Uttarakhand on these important projects.

Friends,

The Uttarakhand government has now started giving subsidies to apple and kiwi farmers through digital currency. With the help of modern technology, it is now possible to track this financial assistance transparently. For this initiative, I appreciate the state government, the Reserve Bank of India, and all other stakeholders involved.

Friends,

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the heartbeat of Bharat’s spiritual life. Countless pilgrimage sites like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jageshwar and Adi Kailash are symbols of our deep faith. Every year, millions of devotees visit these sacred shrines. Their journeys open the path of devotion and, at the same time, infuse new energy into Uttarakhand’s economy.

Friends,

Better connectivity is deeply linked to Uttarakhand’s development. That’s why projects worth more than 2 lakh crore rupees are currently underway in the state. The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project is progressing rapidly. The Delhi–Dehradun expressway is now nearly complete. The foundation stones have been laid for the Gaurikund–Kedarnath and Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib ropeways. These projects are giving fresh momentum to Uttarakhand’s development.

Friends,

Uttarakhand has traversed a long road of progress over the past 25 years. Now the question before us is what heights do we want to see Uttarakhand reach in the next 25 years? You’ve all heard the saying: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” So, once we know clearly what our goal is, the roadmap to reach it will also form quickly. And what better day than November 9th to reflect on these goals?

Friends,

The true identity of Uttarakhand lies in its spiritual strength. If Uttarakhand resolves to do so, it can establish itself as the “Spiritual Capital of the World” within just a few years. The temples, ashrams, meditation, and yoga centres here can be connected to a global network.

Friends,

People from across the country and the world come here seeking wellness. The demand for Uttarakhand’s herbs and Ayurvedic medicines is rising rapidly. Over the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has made remarkable progress in aromatic plants, Ayurvedic herbs, yoga, and wellness tourism. Now is the time to envision every assembly constituency in Uttarakhand having yoga centres, Ayurveda centres, naturopathy institutes, and homestays, creating a complete wellness package. This will be especially appealing to our international tourists.

Friends,

You all know how much emphasis the Government of Bharat is placing on the Vibrant Villages Programme along the border. I want every vibrant village of Uttarakhand to develop into a small tourism hub in itself. There should be homestays, and local cuisine and local culture should be promoted. Just imagine when visitors from other parts of Bharat or abroad experience a warm, homely atmosphere and enjoy traditional dishes like dubke, chudkani, rot-arsa, ras-bhaat, and jhangore ki kheer, how delighted they will be! That joy will draw them back to Uttarakhand, not just once, but again and again.

Friends,

Now we must focus on unlocking the hidden potential of Uttarakhand. Tourists who become part of local festivals like Harela, Phooldei, and Bhitauli cherish those experiences for a lifetime. The fairs here are equally vibrant. Nanda Devi Mela, Jauljivi Mela, Bageshwar’s Uttarayani Mela, Devidhura Mela, Shravani Mela, and the Butter Festival are the very soul of Uttarakhand. To showcase these local fairs and festivals on the world map, we can launch a campaign such as “One District, One Festival.” 

Friends,

All the hilly districts of Uttarakhand hold tremendous potential for fruit cultivation. We should focus on turning these hilly districts into horticulture centres. Crops like blueberries, kiwi, herbs, and medicinal plants represent the farming of the future. Uttarakhand needs to strengthen its MSMEs afresh to boost sectors like food processing, handicrafts, and organic products.

Friends,

Uttarakhand has always had immense potential for year-round tourism. Now that connectivity is improving, I had earlier suggested that we should move toward all-season tourism. I am happy that Uttarakhand is giving a new dimension to winter tourism. The recent figures I received are truly encouraging. The number of winter tourists has increased sharply. In Pithoragarh, a high-altitude marathon was held at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run has also become an inspiration for the entire country. Three years ago, fewer than 2,000 devotees used to undertake the Adi Kailash Yatra. Today, that number has risen to over 30,000. Just a few days ago, the doors of the Kedarnath Temple were closed for the season. This year, nearly 17 lakh devotees visited Kedarnath Dham for darshan. Pilgrimage and year-round tourism are the strengths of Uttarakhand that will continue to take it to new heights of development. There is vast potential for eco-tourism and adventure tourism too. Uttarakhand can become a major attraction for the youth of the entire country.

Friends,

Uttarakhand is also emerging as a film destination. The state’s new film policy has made shooting even easier. Uttarakhand is also gaining popularity as a wedding destination. And as you know, I’ve been promoting the campaign “Wed in India.” For Wed in India, Uttarakhand should develop world-class wedding facilities within the state. To achieve this, 5–7 major destinations can be identified and developed as premier wedding venues.  

Friends,

The nation has resolved to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (a self-reliant India). The path to this goal lies through the spirit of “Vocal for Local.” Uttarakhand has always lived by this vision. The love for local products, their use, and their integration into everyday life are an inseparable part of the state’s traditions. I am glad that the Uttarakhand government has accelerated the Vocal for Local campaign. As a result of these efforts, 15 agricultural products from Uttarakhand have received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. It is indeed a matter of great pride that Bedu fruit and ghee from the Badri cow have recently received GI tags. The ghee from the Badri cow is a source of pride in every mountain household. Now, Bedu is traveling from the villages of the hills to markets outside the state. Products made from it will carry the GI tag and wherever these products go, they will carry the identity of Uttarakhand with them. We must ensure that such GI-tagged products reach households across the entire country.

Friends,

I am happy that “House of Himalayas” is emerging as a strong brand of Uttarakhand, one that brings local identities together on a common platform. Under this brand, the state’s diverse products have been given a unified identity, so that they can compete in the global market. Many of the state’s products are now available on digital platforms, giving them direct access to customers and opening new markets for farmers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs. We must now put renewed energy into the branding of House of Himalayas, and also continue to improve its delivery mechanisms.

Friends,

You know that Uttarakhand’s journey of development has faced many challenges over the years. But the strong BJP government has always overcome these obstacles and ensured that the pace of progress never slows down. The Dhami government of Uttarakhand has implemented the Uniform Civil Code with great seriousness, setting an example for other states. The state government has also taken bold steps on issues of national interest such as the anti-conversion law and the riot control law. On sensitive matters like illegal land encroachment and demographic changes, the BJP government has taken firm action. In the field of disaster management, the Uttarakhand government has acted swiftly and sensitively, doing everything possible to help its people.

Friends,

As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand’s formation, I am confident that in the years ahead, our Uttarakhand will scale new heights of development, while proudly carrying forward its rich culture and distinct identity. Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the residents of Uttarakhand on this Silver Jubilee celebration. And I urge you that as we look 25 years ahead, when our nation will celebrate 100 years of independence, let us set our goals now. Let us choose the right path today and move forward without delay. I assure you that the Government of Bharat stands firmly with the Government of Uttarakhand, ready to support you at every step. I wish every family and every citizen of Uttarakhand happiness, prosperity, and a bright future. Thank you all very much.

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

This year marks the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” So, together let us say —

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram!

Thank you very much.

 

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MJPS/VJ/VK

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