Innovation biggest mantra for developing nation, say Guv at Vasantotsav conclusion
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Governor, lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh said that innovation is the biggest mantra for achieving the target of Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking at the conclusion of the three-day Vasantotsav-2026 at Lok Bhawan on Sunday, he said that creativity and a new thinking was observed in every stall put up during the floral exhibition and competition. Winning awards in 13 categories, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee won the running trophy while ONGC secured second place by winning awards in four categories. A total of 161 awards were presented to winners in 15 categories and 54 sub-categories. The Governor’s Award started this year was also presented to farmers, women farmers and young farmers for innovation in startups. Among the farmers, Deepak Gadiya from Bageshwar, Kapil Sharma from Rudraprayag and Subham Singh from Pithoragarh secured the first, second and the third positions respectively for excellence in work. Among women farmers, Radha Rana from Champawat district came first followed by Kavita Mehra from Almora district and Shanti Juyal from Pauri district in the second and the third positions respectively. Among those felicitated for innovative startups, Devendra Singh Chauhan from Tehri district came first, Pankaj Mehta from Nainital was second and Ujjwal Saini from Haridwar district came third.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said that the happiness and satisfaction seen on the faces of about 3.5 lakh people who visited Lok Bhawan during the three-day event is its biggest success. “Generating positivity, balance and creativity in people through flowers was the main sentiment behind Vasantotsav-2026. The stalls set up by the Horticulture department also displayed how research has shown how flowers are a source of health, mental balance and happiness in human life,” Singh said.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that in addition to being a cultural event, Vasantotsav is a celebration of Uttarakhand’s natural wealth, agricultural strength and the emerging green economy. The colours and aroma of flowers displayed at Lok Bhawan is a symbol of the State’s rich biodiversity. Appreciating the governor’s discipline, dedication to the nation and farsight, he said that the State is progressing consistently under his guidance. “Merging traditional knowledge with innovation can give a special identity to local products in the national and international markets. Commercial floriculture is being carried out in about 656 hectare area in the State at present. It is emerging as a good means for more income at comparatively less expense,” Dhami said.Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi, MLAs Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, the first lady Gurmit Kaur, the CM’s wife Geeta Dhami and others were also present on the occasion.
