Uttarakhand’s identity will be preserved only through the protection of its folk culture and heritage – CM Dhami

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the folk culture of Uttarakhand is not merely the state’s identity, but its very soul. It is a collective responsibility to preserve the state’s folk languages, songs, dances, traditional attire, fairs, and festivals, and to pass them on to future generations. On Saturday, the Chief Minister attended ‘Uttarakhand Kauthik-2026,’ an event organized by the Akhil Garhwal Sabha at the Rangers College Ground. He commended the Sabha for its efforts toward the preservation and promotion of the state’s folk culture and cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister remarked that events like ‘Uttarakhand Kauthik’ serve as a vital medium for connecting the younger generation with their roots, language, and traditions. Such platforms offer an opportunity to explore and understand the state’s folk arts, traditional clothing, handicrafts, craftsmanship, and cuisine. Praising the stalls featuring traditional handicrafts, organic products, and authentic Uttarakhandi dishes at the festival, he noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting local products and gaining them wider recognition.

Emphasis on Heritage Preservation Alongside Development

The Chief Minister stated that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is working toward the holistic development of the state and the preservation of its cultural and spiritual heritage, guided by the core principle of “Development as well as Heritage” (Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi). In this regard, redevelopment projects at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham are expanding facilities for pilgrims. Efforts are also underway to integrate religious tourism with the local economy and employment generation. He added that under the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ (Vibrant Gram Karyakram), infrastructure—including roads, electricity, telecommunications, tourism facilities, and livelihood support—is being strengthened in border areas.

He further emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the youth and local residents do not have to leave their homes and villages in search of employment. To this end, the government is actively promoting local products, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like ‘One District, Two Products’ and ‘House of Himalayas,’ the state’s products are gaining better market access and wider recognition. Simultaneously, the rural economy is being strengthened by promoting homestays, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy production, beekeeping, the cultivation of aromatic plants, and local spices.

The Chief Minister stated that efforts are underway to promote year-round tourism activities through initiatives such as ‘Wed in Uttarakhand,’ winter tourism, and adventure tourism. This is creating employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, homestay providers, and small business owners. In the hilly regions, alongside tourism, investment opportunities are also being expanded in sectors such as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy), health and wellness, information technology, and solar energy.

Over 300,000 women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’

The Chief Minister remarked that the women of the state are the greatest strength of the rural economy. As a result of efforts to make women economically empowered and self-reliant, more than 300,000 women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning an annual income of at least one lakh rupees) under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ campaign. Women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are strengthening their own economic status—and contributing to the rural economy—through local products, traditional hill cuisine, handicrafts, agriculture, and small-scale enterprises. He cited the stalls featuring local products and traditional dishes, set up by women’s Self-Help Groups at the ‘Kauthik’ (a local fair/festival), as an inspiring example of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.

Claim of a 44 percent increase in ‘reverse migration’

The Chief Minister noted that, thanks to the state government’s efforts, Uttarakhand has carved out a distinct identity for itself across various sectors. The state has been placed in the ‘Leader’ category in the ‘Startup India’ ranking of states. In NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24, Uttarakhand once again ranked among the top-performing states in the country, securing the highest score jointly with Kerala.

He noted that, according to a survey report by the Migration Prevention Commission, the state has witnessed a 44 percent increase in ‘reverse migration’—a clear indicator of the expansion of livelihood and employment opportunities at the local level. The state’s ‘Single Window System’ has been recognized under the ‘Top Achievers’ category. In the Government of India’s State Mining Readiness Index, Uttarakhand has secured the second position nationwide in ‘Category C’. Furthermore, the state has also been placed in the ‘Achievers’ category for its logistics performance.

The Chief Minister stated that these achievements reflect the government’s commitment to good governance, a transparent system, an investment-friendly environment, and the development of infrastructure. He emphasized that cultural roots and traditions cannot be left behind in the journey of development; alongside modernity and progress, it is essential to accord equal importance to local languages, folk arts, traditional attire, customs, and cultural heritage.

He expressed confidence that social and cultural organizations across the state—including the Akhil Garhwal Sabha—will continue to contribute to the preservation and promotion of folk culture. The state government is moving forward with a firm resolve to establish Uttarakhand as one of the best states in the country. The support and active participation of the people of the state are crucial to achieving this goal.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, office-bearers of the Akhil Garhwal Sabha, representatives of social and cultural organizations, elected public representatives, folk artists Narendra Singh Negi and Sangeeta Dhondiyal, women from self-help groups, senior citizens, youth, and a large number of local residents.