Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in Dehradun. While addressing a rally at Jaswant Ground in Garhi Cantt here today, prior to the PM’s speech, Dhami asserted that India is no longer moving ahead gradually but is progressing at full speed. The CM described the occasion as one that brings renewed energy and fresh development initiatives for the state. He remarked that every visit by the PM has ushered in new opportunities and momentum for Uttarakhand’s growth. At the same time, Modi also praised Dhami as a dynamic and hardworking leader.
The strong bond between PM Modi and CM Dhami was once again on display. In his address, Prime Minister Modi used terms such as popular, industrious and youthful to describe the CM.
The CM observed that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the state and the nation have received a major infrastructure boost with the inauguration of Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor, constructed at a cost of Rs 12,000 crores as part of the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor. He said the project would significantly enhance connectivity while preserving ecological balance.
Describing the day as special on multiple counts, Dhami claimed that while the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor is set to accelerate Uttarakhand’s development journey, the occasion also coincides with the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. Paying tribute to Ambedkar, he said that the architect of the Constitution worked tirelessly to strengthen social harmony and integrate marginalised sections into the mainstream of society.
Also extending greetings to the people on the occasion of Baisakhi and the Sikh New Year, Dhami stated that under the PM Modi’s leadership, the country has witnessed unprecedented progress in recent years, with significant achievements across sectors such as infrastructure, economy, women’s empowerment and national security since 2014.
Dhami recalled that the PM had described the third decade of the 21st century as Uttarakhand’s decade, which has served as a source of inspiration for the people of the state. He also cited various key initiatives, including the declaration of Mana as the country’s first village, the promotion of the ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’ campaign during the Investors Summit, and the global recognition brought to Adi Kailash following the Prime Minister’s visit. He also referred to the inauguration of the National Games, which he claimed has helped position Devbhoomi as a sporting destination, the promotion of winter tourism from Harsil-Mukhba, and the vision outlined for the state during its silver jubilee year for the next 25 years.
The CM claimed that the state government, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, is working with a firm resolve to make Uttarakhand one of the leading states in the country, guided by the principle of development as well as heritage, and is implementing initiatives across sectors in line with this vision.
Dhami recited lines reflecting the nation’s rapid progress, stating that India is now advancing at full pace, overcoming challenges such as Naxalism, extremism and terrorism, and setting new benchmarks in economic growth, women’s empowerment, self-employment and innovation. Through the poem, he expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s leadership, developmental initiatives and commitment to public service.
Earlier, the CM presented the PM with a memento based on the Nanda Rajjat Yatra, depicting the palanquin of Goddess Nanda, the ceremonial ram leading the procession and the participation of local communities.
Among those present on the occasion were Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, former Chief Ministers Trivendra Singh Rawat, Vijay Bahuguna, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Tirath Singh Rawat, along with Cabinet Ministers Subodh Uniyal, Ganesh Joshi, Rekha Arya, Khajan Das, Dhan Singh Rawat, Saurabh Bahuguna, Madan Kaushik, Ram Singh Kaira, Bharat Chaudhary and Pradeep Batra. MPs Anil Baluni, Ajay Bhatt, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah and Naresh Bansal were also present. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined the programme virtually.
