CM inaugurates ‘Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan’
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the ‘Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan’ at Doon University here today as part of the state’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The conference began with a minute’s silence in memory of those who lost their lives in various disasters across Uttarakhand. Addressing the gathering, the CM said that overseas Uttarakhandis are taking the culture, traditions, and pride of Devbhoomi to new heights and described them as the true brand ambassadors of the state.
The CM emphasised that the warmth of Uttarakhand’s folk culture, language, and dialects connects people globally, and irrespective of wherever they reside, they carry the fragrance of their native soil. He shared that the State Government has constituted the Pravasi Uttarakhand Parishad to integrate the experience and suggestions of overseas residents into the mainstream of development.
Dhami reminded that many overseas and non-resident Uttarakhandis are contributing to development by adopting their native villages. He stated that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is moving towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Uttarakhand’. He claimed that there has been a significant progress in education, health, roads, sports, drinking water, and air connectivity. Initiatives such as ‘One District, Two Products’, ‘House of Himalayas’, ‘State Millet Mission’, new Tourism Policy, ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’, and the Solar Self-Employment Scheme have infused new energy into the local economy. He also shared that Uttarakhand has secured the top rank nationally in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals ranking and has been recognised as an achiever in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and as a leader in the Startup Ranking.
The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving cultural values and demographic balance and also mentioned the implementation of the country’s strictest anti-copying law, which he claimed ensured government jobs to over 26,000 youth in the past four years.
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Dhami stated that over 200 corrupt individuals have been imprisoned in the last four years. He also outlined the vision for the Golden Jubilee year, aiming for an Uttarakhand where every youth has dignified employment, migration is halted, and overseas residents return with honour. He said the state is progressing towards cultural prosperity and economic self-reliance under the spirit of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ and appealed to overseas Uttarakhandis to actively participate in this development journey.
Former CM and former Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari said that the heritage of Devbhoomi is rooted in honesty and hard work, which is why Uttarakhandis are known for their talent and integrity across the globe. He stressed on the need to recognise the state’s strengths and reminded the audience of PM Narendra Modi’s special affection for Uttarakhand. He expressed confidence that overseas residents will remain connected to their roots and continue contributing to the State’s progress.
Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli remarked that many people from Uttarakhand have earned a distinct identity through their work in various parts of the country. He urged the overseas Uttarakhandis to contribute in their areas of expertise and assured full support from the State Government. Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, expressed gratitude to the CM for organising the summit and described Uttarakhand as the legacy of their soul and culture. He said the fragrance of the soil, the sweetness of the dialect, and the rhythm of folk dances continue to resonate in their hearts and acknowledged the state’s steady progress under the CM’s leadership.
Film actress Himani Shivpuri shared that she has adopted her ancestral village in Rudraprayag and described Uttarakhand as a culturally rich state, urging sustained efforts to preserve its traditions. Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Sudhansh Pant called the summit a celebration of their cultural roots and said that the cool air of the hills carries a mother’s affection. He described Uttarakhand as the land of faith, hard work, and values and proposed a collective resolution to remain connected to their heritage and contribute to the State’s growth.
Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Anand Bardhan, noted the State’s progress in education, health, tourism, organic farming, industrial development, and green energy. He said Uttarakhand is advancing with the pledge of a strong and prosperous future through governance, administration, and public participation. He reminded the audience of the ‘rapid infrastructure development’ under the CM’s leadership and mentioned that the successful hosting of the 38th National Games has given the State a new identity as a sports hub. He credited the rise in GDP and per capita income to transparent policies and consistent efforts.
Director at the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Poornesh Gururani suggested establishing a National Institute of Fashion Designing Centre in Uttarakhand and emphasised the potential of Himalayan fibre. He proposed the creation of Textile Parks in both regions of the State with Central Government support. During the event, overseas Uttarakhandis shared their suggestions for development and expressed willingness to contribute to the state’s progress.
Also present on the occasion were MLA Kishore Upadhyay, Principal Secretaries RK Sudhanshu and R Meenakshi Sundaram, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Surekha Dangwal, senior officials, and diaspora members from across the country.
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