07-11-2025 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Uttarakhand State Foundation Day at Police Lines, Dehradun

Jai Hind!

Dear people of Uttarakhand,

Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the Silver Jubilee celebration of Uttarakhand State Foundation Day!

Today, we celebrate 25 glorious years of Uttarakhand’s journey — a moment of great pride and joy for all of us.

First of all, I pay my humble tribute to all the immortal martyrs, activists, and leaders whose sacrifices and struggles gave birth to this state. This Silver Jubilee celebration is a symbol of our collective gratitude towards them.

On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt salute to all members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, ex-servicemen, and the brave women of valor. I also warmly congratulate our courageous police personnel, who play an essential role in maintaining internal security and peace.

Dear residents of the state,

Over the years, the Uttarakhand Police has established a distinct identity across the nation through its efficiency, discipline, and visionary approach, emerging as a capable and modern police force.

In pursuit of a “Drug-Free Uttarakhand,” the police are carrying out continuous and effective operations against offenders. Specially trained cyber commandos have been deployed to tackle cybercrimes, thereby enhancing the state’s digital security capabilities.

To further strengthen the efficiency and professional skills of the force, the Police Training College in Narendra Nagar is being developed as a Centre of Excellence. Emphasizing community policing, the police have also built stronger bridges of trust, cooperation, and partnership with the public.

On this occasion, I extend my congratulations to all the officers and personnel being honored here today for their outstanding service. I also heartily appreciate the excellent and disciplined police parade presented by Uttarakhand Police today.

Dear people of the state,

The past 25 years represent a story of Uttarakhand’s continuous effort, hard work, and progress — a journey from struggle to creation, from dreams to achievements. Since its formation, Uttarakhand has made remarkable advancements in education, health, tourism, agriculture, industry, science, technology, and environmental protection.

It is heartening to see Uttarakhand emerging beyond the Char Dham Yatra as a global wellness destination, wedding destination, film-shooting hub, and a center for yoga and Ayurveda. Hundreds of youth are now returning to their villages to write a new chapter of self-reliance and empowerment.

Our women — the mothers and daughters of Uttarakhand — have always been the backbone of the statehood movement. Their contribution in preserving water, forests, mountains, and the environment has been remarkable.

Even today, they remain the driving force of our development. From self-help groups to innovation-based startups, women are crafting new stories of self-reliance. Uttarakhand’s daughters are excelling in education, sports, defense, and science — their success is the pride of our entire society.

The 21st century is the century of technology and innovation. As AI, semiconductors, and cyber technology shape the world’s direction, our goal is to ensure that every youth of Uttarakhand becomes fluent in the language of emerging technologies such as data science, drones, and space research. The expansion of startups, innovation hubs, and digital infrastructure is our priority — paving the way for Developed Uttarakhand, and thereby Developed India 2047.

Dear people of the state,

Just as the mantra of Swadeshi strengthened India’s independence movement, it will also strengthen our nation’s prosperity. We should buy products that are Made in India — products that embody the hard work of our youth. This is the true mantra for self-reliant India and self-reliant Uttarakhand.

The recent visit of Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Uttarakhand added new dignity and inspiration to this Silver Jubilee year. Her presence and blessings infused new energy and enthusiasm among all citizens.

It is a matter of great pride and fortune for us that, during this Silver Jubilee year, we are also receiving the guidance and support of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. His leadership will certainly provide new direction and momentum to the state’s developmental goals.

From the sacred land of Baba Kedar, our Hon’ble Prime Minister once said — “The third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand.” This reflects his deep faith and expectations from our state. Together, we must strive to fulfill that vision.

On this occasion, I especially wish to address the youth of the state: You are the present and the future of Uttarakhand. Your dreams will define the state’s direction. You must take leadership in technology, innovation, startups, sports, culture, and public service.

At the same time, I urge you to stay away from drugs and social evils, for they are the greatest threat to your bright future. Let us all work together to make Uttarakhand drug-free — a state that is healthy, prosperous, and self-reliant.

Dear citizens,

Let us all take a collective pledge — to make Uttarakhand the best state in India in the coming years, where development and nature, science and culture, modernity and tradition, technology and humanity — all advance together in harmony.

This will be our true tribute to all those martyrs and heroes who gifted us this state. And it will be our genuine service to the sacred land we proudly call “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.”

Once again, heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of State Foundation Day.

Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!