Statehood Day commemoration labelled an ‘insult’ by activists

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Mussoorie, 9 Nov: A controversy has erupted in Mussoorie regarding a felicitation ceremony for statehood activists, organized by the district and municipal administrations to mark the 26th anniversary of the formation of Uttarakhand state. Expressing strong displeasure, some activists have termed the event an “insult” rather than an honour. They argue that an occasion as historic as Statehood Day warranted a grand and dignified event; instead, it was reduced to a perfunctory, small-scale gathering held for a limited number of people at the Municipal Auditorium.Activists and advocates Manoj Shaili and Devi Godiyal stated that the creation of Uttarakhand was not the achievement of a single day, but the result of a long struggle, the sacrifices of activists, and the martyrdom of those who gave their lives. They emphasized that such a significant day should have included all statehood activists, the families of martyrs, and the younger generation—ensuring that the youth could learn about the history and struggles of the statehood movement. The manner in which the event was conducted, however, failed to accord proper respect to the spirit and significance of the movement.They further alleged that information about the event was not communicated to all activists. Many individuals who played pivotal roles during the statehood movement were not even invited. Furthermore, the activists who were “honoured” were merely garlanded—a gesture dismissed as a hollow formality. They argued that those being recognized should have been presented with certificates of appreciation, ensuring that their struggles and contributions were formally and respectfully acknowledged. They questioned why there was such negligence in the planning and invitation process, given that the very purpose of Statehood Day is to commemorate the contributions of the martyrs and the activists who fought for the state.
According to the agitators, a commemoration ceremony should have specifically invited the families of the martyrs, ensuring that their sacrifices were highlighted for the new generation.The agitators urged the district administration, the municipal authorities, and the state government not to reduce Uttarakhand Foundation Day to a mere government function or a perfunctory event. This is a pivotal day in the state’s history—one achieved through the martyrdom of many and the struggles of thousands of agitators. Consequently, any events held on this day should reflect dignity, broad public participation, and the true spirit of the movement. They noted that Mussoorie holds a unique place in the statehood movement; given the firing incident that occurred here and the sacrifices made by the agitators, a grand event should have been organized. Instead, the limited-scale event held at the municipal auditorium for the 26th Foundation Day was deeply disappointing. The agitators expressed their protest, dismissing the event as a mere formality.The agitators demanded that, in the future, preparations for State Foundation Day should begin well in advance. They insisted that all agitators and the families of the martyrs be invited with due respect. They suggested that those being honoured should receive certificates of appreciation, and that cultural and interactive programs should be organized to connect the younger generation with the history of the statehood movement. They emphasized that honouring the agitators should not be limited to the symbolic act of garlanding them; rather, their struggles, contributions, and unresolved grievances must be heard with genuine seriousness. Foundation Day should be marked by events that make the families of the martyrs and the agitators feel that the state truly remembers their sacrifices.