NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed his wishes to Uttarakhand’s residents as they celebrated their 25th State Foundation Day.
Through a video message on X, he expressed his commitment to achieving a ‘Viksit Uttarakhand‘ for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ in the coming quarter-century.
“Many congratulations to all my family members of the state on the silver jubilee year of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This decade will be the decade of Uttarakhand,” PM Modi said in his video address. while emphasising the central government’s dedication to Uttarakhand’s progress.
“Today marks the beginning of the silver jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand. We now have to start the journey of the next 25 years for a bright future for the state. The nation will see our resolution of Viksit Uttarakhand for a Viksit Bharat being fulfilled in these 25 years. The central government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the development of the state,” he added.
Discussing the state’s economic achievements, PM Modi noted, “Uttarakhand secured first place in last year’s SDG index. In the last 1-2 years, the rate of growth of the state has increased by more than 1.25 per cent. The GST contribution of the state has also increased by 14 per cent. The average annual income of the state has grown to Rs 2.6 lakh.”
He then addressed tourism responsibilities and urged visitors to maintain cleanliness. “I have 4 appeals to make to the tourists visiting the state. Make cleanliness your priority every time you visit the mountains. Pledge to not use single-use plastic. Stay vocal for local. Follow the traffic rules of the region you visit. Learn and follow the rules and regulations of religious places,” PM Modi urged.
Meanwhile, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the foundation day celebrations at Dehradun’s Parade Ground, alongside CDS Anil Chauhan, Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), State Secretary Radha Raturi and other officials.
During the event, CM Dhami presented Uttarakhand Ratna Awards to five recipients: CDS Anil Chauhan, folk singer Pritam Bharatwan, Mahesh Kudiyal, Mata Mangala for social service, and Hemant Pandey for film and art.
“I congratulate all the residents of Uttarakhand on the occasion of 25th State Foundation Day. I bow down before all those who have sacrificed their lives for the country. PM Narendra Modi said that the third decade of the 21st century will be Uttarakhand’s decade, and we all will strive to live up to his words,” CM Dhami told ANI.