my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 11 Mar: A delegation of senior journalists from Odisha currently on a four-day visit to Uttarakhand interacted with Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh at Lok Bhavan in Dehradun on Wednesday as part of a press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The visit aims to provide journalists first-hand exposure to various development projects and flagship welfare schemes of the Government of India being implemented in the State, while also allowing them to experience Uttarakhand’s cultural, historical and institutional landscape.
The media delegation, comprising nine senior journalists from Odisha, is accompanied by Mahendra Jena, Assistant Director, and Bikash Ranjan Dalai, Information Assistant, PIB Bhubaneswar. The team had arrived in Dehradun earlier this week and was received by Sanjeev Sundriyal, Assistant Director, PIB Dehradun.
Welcoming the visiting journalists to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the Governor shared insights into the State’s spiritual heritage, economic progress and various developmental initiatives. During the interaction, he also spoke about the similarities between Odisha and Uttarakhand, particularly their vulnerability to natural disasters. Recalling his visit to Odisha following Cyclone Fani, he appreciated the resilience and courage displayed by the people of the state during the difficult period.
Expressing admiration for Odisha, Gurmit Singh remarked that the nation is fortunate that the State has given India a woman President, reflecting the country’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He also spoke about his spiritual inclination towards Lord Jagannath, whom he described as the “Lord of the Universe”, and highlighted the spiritual significance of Puri. Explaining the word “PURI”, he interpreted it as “U – You and I – I”, symbolising the spiritual connection between the divine and devotees. He also praised Odisha’s rich art, culture and traditions and described the people of the state as simple and warm-hearted.
Highlighting the national importance of Uttarakhand, the Governor informed the delegation that the state hosts 82 institutions of the Government of India, including prominent establishments such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the Forest Research Institute and the Survey of India.
During their visit, the media delegation also toured several key institutions in Dehradun including Shaurya Sthal War Memorial, Rashtriya Indian Military College and the Forest Research Institute. At the Shaurya Sthal War Memorial, the journalists paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. Developed by the Indian Army, the memorial commemorates the courage and valour of soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The visit to Shaurya Sthal and the Rashtriya Indian Military College was accompanied by Colonel Manish Srivastava, PRO Defence, who briefed the delegation about the significance of the institutions and the role of the Indian Armed Forces.
The delegation later visited the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College, where they were welcomed by Rahul Agarwal, Commandant, RIMC. Established in 1922, the institution is among the country’s premier institutions dedicated to preparing young cadets for careers in the Indian Armed Forces. Officials briefed the visiting journalists about the institution’s long legacy and the rigorous training framework designed to nurture disciplined and capable future leaders.
The Odisha journalists also visited the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun and interacted with scientists to understand its research activities and programmes. DP Khali, GCR and Head of the Forest Products Division and Scientist-G, briefed the delegation on the institute’s contributions to forestry science and sustainable development. The journalists also toured several museums within the FRI campus that showcase extensive collections related to forestry, forest products, pathology, entomology and timber technology, offering deeper insights into India’s forest wealth and biodiversity.
The four-day programme has been designed to provide the visiting journalists with a comprehensive understanding of development initiatives and important institutions in Uttarakhand. During the tour, the delegation is also scheduled to visit several other important locations including the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation project, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project and sections of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. Through field visits and interactions with officials and stakeholders, the journalists are gathering information on major infrastructure and development initiatives being implemented in the state.
The visit is also providing an opportunity for the media representatives from Odisha to experience and understand the rich cultural heritage, art and traditions of Uttarakhand. The information gathered during the tour will be disseminated to a wider audience through various media platforms in Odisha, thereby helping to create greater awareness among the public about the development projects and welfare schemes of the Government of India being implemented in Uttarakhand.
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