Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Uttarakhand’s folk culture is not only the state’s identity but also its soul. Conserving folk languages, folk songs, folk dances, traditional attire, fairs, and festivals and passing them on to future generations is the collective responsibility of all. The Chief Minister was speaking on Saturday at the ‘Uttarakhand Kothik-2026’ organized by the Akhil Garhwal Sabha at the Rangers College Ground. He praised the Sabha’s efforts toward the conservation and promotion of folk culture and cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister said that events like Uttarakhand Kothik are an important medium for connecting the new generation with their roots, language, and traditions. Through these, people get an opportunity to understand the state’s folk arts, traditional attire, handicrafts, craftsmanship, and cuisine. Appreciating the stalls of traditional handicrafts, organic products, and Uttarakhandi delicacies set up at the festival, he said that such endeavors play a pivotal role in promoting local products and giving them widespread recognition.
Emphasis on Heritage Conservation Alongside Development
The Chief Minister stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is working toward the holistic development of the state and the preservation of its cultural and spiritual heritage under the core mantra of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage). In this direction, facilities for pilgrims are being expanded through redevelopment works at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Efforts are also underway to link religious tourism with the local economy and employment. He mentioned that under the Vibrant Villages Programme, facilities related to roads, electricity, telecommunications, tourism, and livelihoods are being strengthened in border areas.
He stated that it is the government’s resolve that youth and local citizens should not have to travel far from their homes and villages in search of employment. To achieve this, local products, self-employment, and entrepreneurship are being promoted. Initiatives like ‘One District, Two Products’ and ‘House of Himalayas’ are providing the state’s products with better markets and wider recognition. Furthermore, rural economies are being strengthened by encouraging homestay schemes, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy production, beekeeping, and the cultivation of aromatic plants and local spices.
The Chief Minister said that work is underway to promote tourism activities year-round through ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’, winter tourism, and adventure tourism. This is creating employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, homestay owners, and small business operators. Alongside tourism in the hill regions, investment potential in sectors such as AYUSH, health and wellness, information technology, and solar energy is also being expanded.
Over Three Lakh Women Become ‘Lakhpati Didis’
The Chief Minister noted that the state’s women power (matrishakti) is the greatest strength of the rural economy. As a result of efforts to economically empower and make women self-reliant, more than three lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis under the Lakhpati Didis campaign. Women associated with self-help groups are strengthening their economic standing and contributing to the rural economy through local products, mountain cuisine, handicrafts, agriculture, and micro-enterprises.
He described the stalls of local products and traditional dishes put up by women’s self-help groups at the Kothik as an inspiring example of women empowerment and self-reliance.
Claim of 44 Percent Increase in Reverse Migration
The Chief Minister stated that through the state government’s efforts, Uttarakhand has carved out a distinct identity in various fields. In the Startup India state rankings, the state has secured a place in the ‘Leader’ category. In NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24 as well, Uttarakhand was among the top-performing states in the country, securing joint highest scores with Kerala.
He shared that according to the survey report of the Migration Prevention Commission, a 44 percent increase in reverse migration has been recorded in the state, indicating an expansion of livelihood and employment opportunities at the local level. The state’s single-window system has been honored in the ‘Top Achievers’ category. In the central government’s State Mining Readiness Index, Uttarakhand secured second place nationally in Category-C, while the state was also placed in the ‘Achievers’ category for logistics performance.
The Chief Minister stated that these achievements reflect the government’s commitment to good governance, transparent systems, an investment-friendly environment, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that cultural roots and traditions cannot be left behind in the journey of development. Alongside modernity and progress, giving equal importance to folk languages, folk arts, traditional attire, customs, and cultural heritage is essential.
He expressed confidence that social and cultural organizations across the state, including the Akhil Garhwal Sabha, will continue to contribute in this manner toward the conservation and promotion of folk culture. The state government is moving forward with the resolve to include Uttarakhand among the country’s best states, and the cooperation and participation of the people of the state are vital in achieving this goal.
Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, officials of the Akhil Garhwal Sabha, representatives of social and cultural organizations, public representatives, folk artists Narendra Singh Negi and Sangeeta Dhondiyal, women from self-help groups, senior citizens, youth, and a large number of local residents were present at the event.
