PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Uttarakhand government is establishing literature villages in the State to provide a conducive environment for writers and to develop Uttarakhand as a major centre for literary tourism. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Doon Book Festival-2026 here on Saturday.
He said that the sacred land of Uttarakhand has given birth to many great literary figures and that the State has always been a centre of knowledge, culture and creativity. He said that the State government is continuously working to preserve and promote literature and culture. Dhami added that the writers are being honoured through the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and other awards. Grants are also provided for the publication of books in various languages, he said.
Highlighting the importance of books, the CM said that books are not just a collection of words but a lasting source of knowledge that guides society from generation to generation. He appealed to all citizens to encourage gifting books and plants on various occasions, thereby increasing awareness about both knowledge and the environment in society.
The CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward towards re-establishing its cultural and literary heritage. He said that the government is also committed to preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s literary heritage. Dhami expressed confidence that the festival will enrich literary discourse through its various sessions, interactive programmes, book discussions and events like ‘meet the author’. He described the Children’s Pavilion as a commendable initiative and said that it will foster a love of reading among the new generation.
The CM also visited stalls set up by various publishers and released Garhwali and Kumauni language books. Welcoming writers, artists and literature lovers from across the country, he said that the festival is a unique confluence of literature, culture and art and it will provide a new direction to the exchange of knowledge and ideas in society.
Cabinet minister Khajan Dass, Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Acharya Balkrishna, president of National Book Trust Milind Marathi, director of NBT Yuvraj Malik and others attended the programme.
