Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed all the migrant Uttarakhandis at the “Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan” at Doon University. The Chief Minister started by paying tribute to the people who lost their lives in the bus accident in Almora district and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Chief Minister said that the migrants attached to the soil of Uttarakhand have made their distinct identity at the national and international level in various fields including education, research, bureaucracy, filmmaking, industry, trade. The country’s National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval and Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan are from Uttarakhand. India’s first Chief of Defense, Bipin Rawat was also from this land. He said that the culture of Uttarakhand is unique in itself. Our migrants are promoting their language and culture in various states of the country.
The Chief Minister said that in the last three years, he got the opportunity to meet people of the mountain community in many states of the country and he felt that the Uttarakhand settled within our migrants always remains with them. They never left the language, culture and traditions of Uttarakhand. This Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan is an effort to reconnect everyone with the soil of Uttarakhand. This is such a gathering where all the migrant brothers and sisters will not only be able to communicate with the state officials but they are also getting a good opportunity to meet other Uttarakhandi migrants living in different states. He expressed hope that the message emanating from here will reach millions of Uttarakhandi migrants.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is also playing an important role in fulfilling the resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by 2047. With the guidance and support of the Prime Minister, the infrastructure of all major sectors including education, health, connectivity, drinking water is rapidly strengthening in the state. The work of Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line is also progressing rapidly. Air connectivity is being strengthened. By bringing more than 30 new policies, Uttarakhand has been made conducive for investment and employment generation. Work is also being done with priority in the field of science and technology in the state.
The Chief Minister said that many tough and historic decisions have been taken in the interest of the state. The UCC law will be implemented in the state soon. The country’s toughest anti-copying law, anti-conversion law and anti-riot law have been implemented. By running a campaign against land jihad, more than 5000 acres of government land has been freed from illegal occupation across the state. Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the country in the index of sustainable development goals released by NITI Aayog. The state is in the category of achievers in ease of doing business and leaders in startup ranking. The unemployment rate has decreased by 4.4 percent in one year. A new film policy has also been approved to promote film production in the state, in which provision has been made to give many types of subsidy for shooting films in the state.
The Chief Minister said that a dedicated website is also being prepared to provide various information about the state to the migrant Uttarakhandis and to solve their problems. The Chief Minister appealed to all the migrants to visit their village and ancestral home at least once a year and contribute to the development of their region according to their expertise. Based on your suggestions and work, specific policies will be made and work will be done on them. He expressed hope that the nectar that will emerge from the churning today will definitely prove helpful in making Uttarakhand the best state of the country.
Former Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that this is a proud moment, today the migrant Uttarakhandis have created a distinct identity in every corner of the country on the strength of their struggle and hard work. He said that Uttarakhand is progressing rapidly in every field. There are possibilities in many areas to work in the state.
MLA Vinod Chamoli said that the state of Uttarakhand was established after a lot of struggle. There is a very good environment to work in the state. We all have to make collective efforts for the development of the state.
Uttarakhandi migrant and Mayor Lucknow Sushma Kharkwal said that it is her good fortune that she got the opportunity to attend the Pravasi Sammelan. She said that first of all, Uttarakhand is my motherland. This Devbhoomi is rich in talents.
Uttarakhandi actress Himani Shivpuri said that regional films should be promoted in the state. Such events will act as a bridge to promote the folk art and culture of Uttarakhand.
Secretary Commerce in Government of India, Sunil Barthwal said that the idea of migrants adopting their own village is very commendable. He said that he will give all possible support to the state and will become a partner in the development of his motherland. He said that there are many possibilities in the field of organic products in Uttarakhand. Their demand has increased rapidly at national and international level. Organic products can be increased in Uttarakhand through collective farming.
Migrant Uttarakhandi and Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Mr. Sudhansh Pant said that a commendable initiative has been taken by the Chief Minister to connect migrant Uttarakhandis to their motherland. The state has many possibilities of work in the fields of tourism, energy, forest resources, industry. The state is progressing rapidly in every field. He said that he will always be present at whatever opportunity he gets to work for his motherland.