CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Hosts Dinner for Pravasi Uttarakhandis; Nanda Raj Jat Cultural Performance Steals the Show

Chief Minister calls the diaspora the pride and identity of Uttarakhand, says their expertise, experience, investment and innovation can accelerate the state’s development

Cultural performances at the Chief Minister’s residence showcase Uttarakhand’s rich folk traditions and spiritual heritage

Dehradun: Following the conclusion of the Third Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hosted a special dinner at his official residence on Friday in honour of Uttarakhandis who had travelled from different states and regions across the country. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the guests, interacted with them and appreciated their contributions to the development of their home state.

The gathering also featured cultural programmes celebrating Uttarakhand’s rich folk traditions, customs and spiritual heritage. Traditional folk songs and dances brought the cultural identity of Devbhoomi to life, while a special performance based on the renowned Nanda Raj Jat pilgrimage captivated the audience.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami said that Pravasi Uttarakhandis are not merely people living and working outside the state but also important ambassadors of Uttarakhand’s identity, culture and traditions. Wherever they live, they continue to carry forward the state’s cultural heritage, folk traditions and values.

He observed that such gatherings strengthen the emotional bond between Uttarakhand and its diaspora while creating opportunities for greater participation in the state’s development journey.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of connecting younger generations living outside Uttarakhand with their cultural roots. He said that the state’s identity is deeply rooted in its folk traditions, customs, regional languages, dialects, music, dance and spiritual consciousness.

He encouraged members of the diaspora to familiarise their children with their mother tongue, local dialects, folk songs, traditional dances and cultural practices. This, he said, would help preserve Uttarakhand’s heritage and promote its distinctive identity across India and internationally.

Diaspora’s expertise and investment crucial for Uttarakhand’s growth

Referring to the state’s development agenda under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Dhami said that the government is consistently working towards building a developed Uttarakhand.

He highlighted that the knowledge, professional expertise, experience, investment potential and innovative ideas of Pravasi Uttarakhandis could make a significant contribution towards achieving this objective.

The Chief Minister expressed the government’s desire to see members of the diaspora actively participate in the state’s development and share their expertise with young people, entrepreneurs and local communities. Their involvement, he said, could help create new opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and economic development.

He also urged expatriate Uttarakhandis to maintain close connections with their ancestral villages and contribute to their development.

Appreciating those who have adopted their native villages and supported local development initiatives, Dhami said such efforts could improve rural infrastructure, expand livelihood opportunities, strengthen local economies and encourage reverse migration.

He expressed confidence that collective efforts by the state government and the diaspora would help Uttarakhand achieve new milestones in development.

Nanda Raj Jat presentation highlights Devbhoomi’s cultural heritage

The dinner programme featured several cultural performances reflecting Uttarakhand’s traditional and spiritual heritage. Artists presented folk songs and dances that showcased the state’s distinctive cultural identity.

A special performance highlighting the religious and cultural significance of Goddess Nanda Devi and the traditional Nanda Raj Jat pilgrimage emerged as one of the major attractions of the evening.

The presentation beautifully portrayed the faith, folk beliefs, collective spirit and cultural unity associated with Uttarakhand’s heritage.

The Chief Minister said that traditions such as the Nanda Raj Jat are not only expressions of religious faith but also symbols of social unity, collective participation and cultural pride.

He described Uttarakhand’s traditions and folk culture as invaluable assets that must be preserved and passed on to future generations. Such programmes, he added, play an important role in connecting young people with their roots and promoting the state’s cultural identity.

Dhami reiterated the state government’s commitment to the preservation, promotion and wider recognition of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.

CM appeals for continued participation in the vision of a developed Uttarakhand

Expressing gratitude to all the Pravasi Uttarakhandis attending the gathering, the Chief Minister said he was confident that they would continue to maintain their close emotional connection with their home state.

He called upon the diaspora to actively contribute their knowledge, experience, skills and resources towards fulfilling the vision of a developed Uttarakhand.

Among those present were Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj and Bharat Singh Chaudhary; Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht; MLA Kishore Upadhyay; Prasar Bharati Chairman and renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi; Government of India Secretary Sudhansh Pant; noted actress Himani Shivpuri; international hockey player Chitranshi Rawat; Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan; Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu; Director General of Police Deepam Seth; and several other distinguished personalities and members of the Uttarakhand diaspora.