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my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Feb: The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), participated on Thursday as the Chief Guest in the inauguration ceremony of the Uttarayani Kauthik Festival–2026, organized by Seva Sankalp Foundation. On this occasion, vibrant cultural performances were presented by folk artists, and the Governor honoured ten social workers for their outstanding contributions in various social sectors across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that Uttarayani is not merely a folk festival, but a symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural soul, collective consciousness, and a balanced way of life in harmony with nature.
He stated that Uttarayani, marking the sun’s transition to the northward journey, conveys a message of positive change, energy, and light in life. The festival inspires society to move from despair to determination and from stagnation to progress. He described Uttarayani as a living example of scientific awareness rooted in the seasonal cycle and harmony with nature. Highlighting Uttarakhand’s tradition of Kauthiks (fairs), the Governor said these have long been the heartbeat of folk life, serving as vibrant centres of social unity, cultural continuity, and collective memory. Folk songs, dances, traditional attire, and handicrafts reflect Uttarakhand’s living, awakened, and proud cultural heritage.
Lt Gen Singh emphasized that Uttarakhand is not only a land of natural beauty but also a land imbued with the spirit of “Nation First.” The brave sons of Devbhoomi have always played a leading role in the service of the nation. Referring to the vision of Developed India 2047, he said that Uttarakhand has the potential to guide the nation in the fields of yoga, AYUSH, education, tourism, biodiversity, water resource conservation, defence services, and human resource development. He described the honesty, simplicity, and diligence of the people of Uttarakhand as the state’s greatest strength. Mentioning great personalities such as Swami Ramtirtha, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, Teelu Rauteli, Gaura Devi, Bachendri Pal, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, and General Bipin Rawat, he said that dedication to the nation can transform an ordinary individual into a maker of history.
The Governor said that the Uttarayani Kauthik Festival provides new recognition to folk art, folk music, folk dance, handicrafts, and cottage industries, while strengthening the rural economy. He noted that the festival practically realizes the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiatives of “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” Calling upon the youth to stay away from drugs and addictions, he emphasized that a strong Uttarakhand and a strong India can only be built through education, sports, skill development, and service.
Appreciating the social work of Seva Sankalp Foundation, the Governor said that culture remains alive only when it is connected with service, compassion, and social responsibility. He described the Uttarayani Festival as an event that elevates Uttarakhand’s cultural consciousness, social unity, and national pride to new heights and extended his best wishes to all.
On the occasion, Trustee Founder of Seva Sankalp Foundation Geeta Dhami, First Lady Gurmeet Kaur, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Mayor of Dehradun Saurabh Thapliyal, Commandant of Indian Military Academy Lt Gen Nagendra Singh, along with various public representatives and senior officials, were present.
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