PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the non-resident Uttarakhandis are the real brand ambassadors of the State. He was addressing the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan at Doon University on Wednesday. He said that Uttarakhand’s unique folk culture, language and dialect connects people across the globe.
Dhami said that Pravasi Uttarakhandi are taking the culture, traditions and pride of their homeland to new heights. He said that the State government has set up a council for Pravasi Uttarakhandis to incorporate their suggestions and experiences into the mainstream of the State’s development.
He highlighted the remarkable progress the State has made in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, sports, drinking water and air connectivity. Initiatives such as One District Two Products, House of Himalayas, State Millet Mission, New Tourism Policy, Wed in Uttarakhand, and Solar Self-Employment scheme have infused new energy into the local economy. CM said that the State has achieved first place in the NITI Aayog ranking on Sustainable Development Goals.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to a zero tolerance policy against corruption, under which more than 200 corrupt individuals have been jailed in the past four years. Dhami stated that the goal is to ensure that by the Golden Jubilee year, Uttarakhand becomes a State where every youth has access to respectable employment, where migration is halted and where migrants can return with dignity.
Former CM and governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, praised the talent, diligence and honesty of Uttarakhandis who work both in India and abroad. He expressed the need to recognise these strengths and expressed confidence that the diaspora will remain connected to their roots and continue contributing to the State’s development.
Further, deputy speaker of the Delhi legislative assembly, Mohan Singh Bisht said, “Uttarakhand is the heritage of our soul and culture. The fragrance of Uttarakhand’s soil, the sweetness of its dialect and the sound of its folk dances always resonate in our hearts.”
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan stated that the State is making steady progress in education, health, tourism, organic agriculture, industrial development and green energy. With a commitment to a strong and prosperous Uttarakhand, the State is advancing through effective governance, administration and public participation. The government’s transparent policies and relentless efforts have resulted in rapid growth in the State’s GDP and per capita income.
CS of Rajasthan and Pravasi Uttarakhandi, Sudhansh Pant said that the Pravasi Uttarakhandi conference is a celebration of the fragrance of our soil, the essence of our culture and a sense of belonging. He expressed that the cool mountain air is filled with the warmth of motherly love. During the occasion, many concerned officials and Pravasi Uttarakhandis presented their suggestions for the development of the State and shared information about their potential contributions.
