U’khand emerging as major literary hub: Dhami

CM participates in literary festival at Lekhak Gaon
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in the valedictory ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival-2026 held at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun. On the occasion, he released the Lekhak Gaon magazine ‘Dharti Ka Swarg Uttarakhand’ and a literary booklet titled ‘Devbhoomi Ka Kavya Pushp’.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the CM said that Lekhak Gaon symbolises ideas that guide society and contribute not only to the present but also to the shaping of the future. He said the initiative is providing a new platform to local talent while helping Uttarakhand carve out a distinct identity on the national and international literary map. Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said Vajpayee was a true practitioner of words whose writings possessed the firmness of the mountains and the depth of the Ganga. He added that Vajpayee had taught the nation that words can also become powerful instruments of nation-building.

Dhami said Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, has always been a centre of creativity, knowledge and culture. The ideas that emerged from this sacred land have consistently inspired society and contributed to its progress. He noted that sages and scholars composed many great scriptures in Uttarakhand and that the state’s natural beauty has always inspired writers, poets and thinkers. Literature, he said, serves as a reflection of society’s values, traditions and thoughts.
The CM said that writers, poets and literary figures played a significant role in giving direction to India’s freedom movement. He also highlighted the contribution of authors and intellectuals during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Describing the writers and creators as more than mere craftsmen of language, he said they are also thinkers and guides who help shape public consciousness and social discourse.
Emphasising the state government’s commitment to literature and culture, Dhami said continuous efforts are being made for their preservation and promotion. He noted that distinguished litterateurs are being honoured through awards such as the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement Award. Financial assistance is also being provided for the publication of books in Hindi and various local languages. He added that the government is working to develop Uttarakhand as a major centre for literary tourism.
The CM further announced that two Sahitya Grams are being established in the state. These literary villages will provide residential facilities for writers along with modern libraries, seminar halls and dedicated spaces for study and creative work. He said the initiative would create a conducive environment for literary and intellectual pursuits and further strengthen Uttarakhand’s rich literary heritage. The state government, he added, remains committed to enriching and preserving the literary legacy of Uttarakhand for future generations.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, who also addressed the gathering, said Uttarakhand is witnessing historic development under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Dhami. He added that coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments have led to a steady increase in reverse migration in the border regions. He also pointed to the significant rise in tourist footfall in areas such as Adi Kailash and the Niti-Mana region. Tamta said places that once required five days of travel can now be reached within a matter of hours because of improved infrastructure and connectivity.
Among those present on the occasion were former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Prakash Singh, Prof Pradeep Bhardwaj, Prof Rakesh Sundariyal, Vidushi Nishank and several other distinguished guests and literary personalities.