Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the people of Uttarakhand on their 25th State Foundation Day. In a video message posted on X, he highlighted the central government’s commitment to building a “Viksit Uttarakhand” (Developed Uttarakhand) as part of a vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) over the next 25 years.
“Many congratulations to all my family members of the state on the silver jubilee year of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This decade will be the decade of Uttarakhand,” PM Modi stated, emphasizing the government’s dedication to the state’s growth.
Modi acknowledged the state’s recent progress, citing economic milestones, including Uttarakhand’s top ranking in last year’s SDG index, a growth rate increase by over 1.25%, and a 14% rise in GST contributions. He also noted the state’s rise in average annual income, now at Rs 2.6 lakh.
PM Modi made an appeal to tourists, urging them to keep Uttarakhand’s mountains clean, avoid single-use plastic, support local businesses, follow traffic rules, and respect the regulations of religious sites.
In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led the foundation day celebrations at the Parade Ground with senior officials, including CDS Anil Chauhan and Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd). At the event, CM Dhami presented the Uttarakhand Ratna Awards to five distinguished individuals for their contributions: CDS Anil Chauhan, folk singer Pritam Bharatwan, Mahesh Kudiyal, Mata Mangala for social service, and Hemant Pandey for film and art.
“I congratulate all the residents of Uttarakhand on the occasion of 25th State Foundation Day,” CM Dhami said. Reflecting on Modi’s vision, he added, “The third decade of the 21st century will be Uttarakhand’s decade, and we all will strive to live up to his words.”
