Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored eminent writers at the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman Ceremony 2025, organized by the Uttarakhand Bhasha Sansthan at the Chief Sevak Sadan, CM residence.
On this occasion, Dr. Jiten Thakur was honored with the state’s highest literary award, “Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan Samman.”
Several other distinguished writers, including Dr. Buddhinath Mishra, Shyam Singh Koutola, Dr. Pritam Singh, Kesar Singh Rai, and Atae Sabir Afzal Manglauri, were honored with awards for long-term excellence in literary creation. Additionally, awards were presented to outstanding writers in various categories and winners of the young writers’ competition.
Under the Sahitya Nari Vandan Samman, Prof. Diva Bhatt was honored, while Prof. Dinesh Chamola received recognition for excellence in children’s literature. Under the Uttarakhand Maulik Rachna Award, Dr. Bhupendra Bisht, Dr. Sudha Jugran, and Shishpal Gusain were honored. Awards were also given to Tara Pathak, Hemant Singh Bisht, and Gajendra Nautiyal for excellence in Kumaoni and Garhwali literature.
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride to honor the state’s great literary figures. He described Dr. Jiten Thakur as an inspiration not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire Hindi literary world.
He added that through their creative work, these writers are enriching the cultural and literary heritage of the state and passing it on to future generations.
The Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand has long been a land of knowledge, culture, and creativity. Its natural beauty, the Himalayas, and the Ganga have inspired many great writers and poets such as Sumitranandan Pant, Gaura Pant Shivani, Mohan Upreti, and Shailesh Matiyani.
He emphasized that literature is a mirror of society, and writers are not just creators of words but also guides for society. He also highlighted the significant role of writers during the freedom movement and the formation of Uttarakhand state.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to preserving and promoting literature and culture. Financial assistance is also being provided for book publication, along with various awards.
He further announced that two “Literary Villages” are being developed in the state to promote literary tourism, where writers will be provided with modern facilities.
The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Subodh Uniyal and Khajan Das, MLA Savita Kapoor, along with scholars, writers, journalists, and literature enthusiasts.
