Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Uttarakhand is progressing on the path of development while preserving its literary and cultural heritage. Lekhak Gaon (Writer’s Village) represents thoughts that provide direction to society, giving a new platform to local talents and strengthening Uttarakhand’s identity on the literary map.
The Chief Minister participated on Thursday in the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival-2026, held at Lekhak Gaon in Thano. On this occasion, he released Lekhak Gaon’s magazine, ‘Dharti Ka Swarg Uttarakhand’, and the booklet ‘Devbhumi Ka Kavya Pushp’.
Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Recalling Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said that Atal Ji was a seeker of words. His writings possessed the firmness of mountains and the depth of the Ganga. He taught that words too can become weapons of nation-building.
Dhami remarked that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always been a center of creativity, knowledge, and culture. The natural beauty here has inspired writers, poets, and thinkers. Uttarakhand’s sages composed numerous great texts, and the ideas originating from here worked to advance society. Literature expresses our values and thoughts.
Contribution of Literateurs from the Freedom Struggle to the Statehood Movement
The Chief Minister stated that writers, poets, and creators gave a new direction to the country’s freedom struggle. Literateurs also made significant contributions during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Writers and creators are not merely fabricators of words, but thinkers and guides of society.
He said that the state government is continuously working to protect literature and culture. Outstanding writers are being honored through awards such as the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan, and Lifetime Achievement awards. Grants are also being provided to writers for publishing texts in Hindi and various local languages.
Two Literature Villages Being Established
Dhami stated that efforts are also underway to develop Uttarakhand as a major center for literary tourism. Two literature villages are being established in the state. These will feature residential facilities for writers alongside modern libraries, seminar halls, and study spaces, helping provide a conducive environment for creative work.
The Chief Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, work is underway for the reawakening of the country’s cultural and literary heritage. Inspired by this, the state government is taking concrete steps to compile, preserve, and reinstate Uttarakhand’s scattered literature. Saving one’s heritage alongside development is also a priority of the government.
Tourism Increasing in Border Areas: Ajay Tamta
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, historic development works are taking place in Uttarakhand. Through the efforts of the central and state governments, reverse migration is increasing in border areas. He noted that the number of tourists has also risen in Adi Kailash and the Niti-Mana region. Places that previously took five days to reach can now be reached within a few hours.
Former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Prakash Singh, Professor Pradeep Bhardwaj, Professor Rakesh Sundriyal, Dr. Vidushi Nishank, and others were present at the ceremony.
