“Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan” held at Doon University
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 7 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while addressing the “Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan” at Doon University, extended a warm welcome to all NRIs and migrants from the state. He began by offering condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in a bus accident in Almora district and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the people from Uttarakhand who have migrated to other parts of the country and abroad have made distinguished contributions in fields such as education, research, bureaucracy, film production, industry, and business, both at national and international levels. He highlighted the achievements of notable figures such as India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and the late General Bipin Rawat, all of whom hailed from Uttarakhand. He added that Uttarakhand’s unique culture is being promoted by its diaspora everywhere.
The Chief Minister shared that, in the past three years, he had the opportunity to meet many people from the mountainous society in different states and found that Uttarakhand’s spirit always remains alive in them. He noted that this Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan is an effort to reconnect the NRI community with their roots, offering them a chance to engage not only with state officials but also with other Uttarakhandis living in various parts of the country.
Dhami further mentioned that Uttarakhand is actively contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the state is rapidly strengthening its infrastructure in key sectors such as education, health, connectivity, and drinking water. Projects such as the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line and enhanced air connectivity are progressing. The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s efforts to improve the business climate in the state by implementing over 30 new policies to promote investment and job creation.
The Chief Minister highlighted several historical and firm decisions taken for the welfare of the state, such as the implementation of the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) law, India’s strictest anti-cheating law, anti-conversion law, and anti-riot law. He also spoke about the campaign against land jihad, which has led to the recovery of over 5000 acres of government land from illegal encroachments. Uttarakhand topped the country’s Sustainable Development Goals Index and has emerged as a leader in the Ease of Doing Business rankings. Additionally, the state has taken proactive steps to promote the film industry through a new film policy, offering various subsidies for shooting films in the state.
To better serve the NRI community, the Chief Minister announced the creation of a dedicated website to provide information and address the issues of NRI Uttarakhandis. He urged all NRIs to visit their ancestral homes at least once a year and contribute to the development of their regions according to their expertise. He assured that, based on their suggestions and contributions, specific policies would be created and implemented to ensure their participation in the state’s progress.
The Chief Minister expressed the hope that the discussions at this event would yield fruitful results that will help make Uttarakhand the best state in India.
Former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ stated that it was a proud moment for all as the NRI Uttarakhandis have made their mark across the country with their hard work and perseverance. He said that Uttarakhand is rapidly progressing in all fields and there are numerous opportunities for growth in the state.
MLA Vinod Chamoli remarked that Uttarakhand’s formation came after great struggles, and there is a conducive environment for working in the state. He stressed that collective efforts are needed to further the state’s development.
Uttarakhandi and Mayor of Lucknow, Sushma Kharkwal, expressed her gratitude for being part of the conference, emphasising that her first loyalty is to her motherland, Uttarakhand, which is a land rich in talent.
Actress and Uttarakhandi Himani Shivpuri highlighted the need to promote regional films in Uttarakhand, as well as the importance of such events in promoting the state’s folk arts and culture.
Uttarakhandi and Secretary of Commerce, Government of India, Sunil Barthwal praised the idea of adopting villages and assured that he would contribute in every possible way to the development of his motherland. He mentioned that Uttarakhand has vast potential in the field of organic products, which are in high demand both nationally and internationally.
Uttarakhandi and Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Sudhanshu Pant, commended the Chief Minister’s initiative to reconnect the NRI community with their homeland. He highlighted numerous opportunities in tourism, energy, forest resources, and industry in Uttarakhand, and expressed his willingness to contribute to the state’s progress.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Legislators Banshidhar Bhagat, Kishore Upadhyay, Savita Kapoor, Legislator and Uttarakhandi Surendra Maithani, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, and several senior officials of the government, along with a large number of NRI Uttarakhandis.
