Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing ceremony of the Uttaryani Kauthik Festival in Dehradun, highlighting folk culture preservation, reverse migration growth, tourism, startups, and self-reliant Uttarakhand initiatives.
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today attended the closing ceremony of the four-day Uttaryani Kauthik Festival, organized by the Seva Sankalp Foundation at Parade Ground, Dehradun. On the occasion, he warmly greeted folk artists, litterateurs, art lovers, and the large gathering of citizens, and lauded the Foundation for its significant role in preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture.
The Chief Minister said that festivals like Uttaryani Kauthik play a vital role in keeping the state’s folk traditions alive and in connecting the younger generation with Uttarakhand’s cultural roots. Such platforms provide an opportunity to experience and understand traditional folk music, dances, handicrafts, traditional attire, and the unique lifestyle of the hill state.
He said that folk songs such as Jagar, Beda, Mangal, Khuded and Chhopati, and folk dances like Chholiya, Pandav Nritya and Jhora-Chhapeli reflect the cultural soul of Uttarakhand, and preserving them is a collective responsibility of society. The Chief Minister also appreciated the stalls set up during the four-day festival showcasing traditional handicrafts, organic products, and authentic Uttarakhandi cuisine.
Strong Push Towards Self-Reliant Uttarakhand
CM Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Vocal for Local, Make in India, Made in India and Startup India are strengthening India’s journey towards self-reliance. In line with this vision, the Uttarakhand government has implemented several policies and schemes to promote overall development and strengthen the local economy.
He highlighted that through the One District, Two Products scheme and the House of Himalayas brand, local products from Uttarakhand are being promoted in national and international markets. Initiatives like the State Millet Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, Kiwi Mission, new Tourism Policy, Film Policy, Homestay Scheme, Wed in Uttarakhand and Solar Self-Employment Scheme are creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Reverse Migration, Agriculture and Investment: Notable Achievements
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand has achieved significant milestones over the past four and a half years. As per the Migration Prevention Commission’s report, the state has recorded a 44% increase in reverse migration. Uttarakhand has emerged as a leading state in increasing farmers’ income, while new employment opportunities are being created for the youth.
He informed that Uttarakhand has secured the ‘Achievers’ category in Ease of Doing Business and the ‘Leaders’ category in the Startup Ranking. The state’s Single Window System has been awarded in the ‘Top Achievers’ category. Uttarakhand also ranked first in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24.
National Recognition in Tourism, Fisheries and Aviation
Highlighting achievements in the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said Uttarakhand has received national awards for Best Wildlife Destination and Best Adventure Destination. Under the National Tourism Awards 2024, Jakhol, Harsil, Gunji and Supi villages were declared as Best Tourism Villages. The state also received the ‘One to Watch’ award at the World Responsible Tourism Awards.
He added that Uttarakhand was awarded the Best State National Award for Fisheries Development in 2024. Recently, at an international aviation conference held in Hyderabad, the state was honoured as the Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.
Government Support for Folk Artists
The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously working for the welfare and promotion of folk artists. A verified list of folk artists has been prepared, and around 3,200 artists were provided monthly financial assistance during the COVID period. Senior and ailing folk artists above 60 years of age are being provided pensions, and training workshops are being organised under the traditional Guru–Shishya (mentor–disciple) tradition.
Efforts are also being made for publication of folk cultural scripts, establishment of art galleries, promotion of literature and preservation of local languages and dialects.
Seva Sankalp Foundation Praised for Cultural Revival
Founder Trustee of Seva Sankalp Foundation, Gita Dhami, said that the four-day Uttaryani Kauthik Festival showcased Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture, traditional products and lifestyle on a single platform. She said that preserving culture alongside modern development is essential, and connecting the youth with their roots is key to shaping a strong future.
She appealed to people to promote and purchase local products to strengthen the state’s economy and contribute towards building a self-reliant Uttarakhand. She also highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand has touched new heights of development, citing reforms such as implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and strict anti-copying laws, which have helped create employment opportunities for thousands.
Dignitaries Present
The programme was attended by former Governor and former Chief Minister Padma Bhushan Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, CBFC Chairman Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi, Rajya Sabha MP Kalpana Saini, several MLAs, senior officials, social workers and a large number of citizens.
