26-02-2026 : Address of the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of Holi Milan Ceremony at Lok Bhavan, Uttarakhand
Jai Hind!
On this sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, I feel immense joy and deep spiritual satisfaction to be present among you on the auspicious occasion of the Holi Milan ceremony organized at Lok Bhavan. Holi is not merely a festival of colors; it is a celebration of the union of hearts, harmony of minds, and the joy of the soul.
In Uttarakhand, every festival is deeply rooted in spirituality. Here, celebrations are not just expressions of outward happiness but also a means of inner awakening. Holi teaches us that diversity is the true beauty of life. Just as many colors blend together to create a beautiful image, similarly, the diverse sections of society together build a prosperous nation.
Holika Dahan reminds us that in the flame of truth, falsehood and ego are inevitably reduced to ashes. This festival inspires us to let go of negativity, bitterness, and pride, and to embrace love, compassion, and harmony.
The Baithki and Khadi Holi of Kumaon are remarkable examples of our rich cultural heritage, where devotion and the essence of folk life resonate through classical ragas. The folk Holi of Garhwal, with the rhythmic beats of the dhol and damau and collective singing, stands as a living testament to social unity and cultural consciousness. These traditions keep us connected to our roots.
With the arrival of spring—the crimson bloom of buransh, the serenity of the Himalayas, and the sacred purity of the Ganga and Yamuna—Holi also becomes a celebration of nature’s renewal. It conveys a message of gratitude toward nature and the importance of its preservation.
Dear Colleagues,
On this occasion, I would especially like to acknowledge the officers and staff of Lok Bhavan who, with dedication, commitment, and discipline, are carrying out their responsibilities and continuously elevating the dignity of this institution. The reputation of any institution is built not merely by its grand buildings, but by its diligent and devoted human resources. Through your excellence, transparency, and commitment, you have made Lok Bhavan a center of exemplary work culture.
Those officers and employees being honored today for their outstanding performance are not just symbols of individual achievement; they represent the message that sincerity and hard work always deserve recognition. This honor is not merely an award, but an inspiration for all of us to consider our work as a form of national service and move forward with even greater dedication. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and expect that you will continue to fulfill your responsibilities with the same energy and excellence.
The land of Uttarakhand is also a land of valor. It is because of the sacrifice and bravery of our soldiers that we are able to celebrate our festivals in peace and joy. Therefore, along with every celebration, we must remember our national duty and sense of responsibility.
Dear Youth,
The preservation and promotion of our cultural traditions is your responsibility. A balance between modernity and tradition is our true strength. When we remain connected to our roots, only then can we move confidently toward the future.
In conclusion, I call upon all of you—let us not merely apply colors to one another this Holi, but let us color our lives with the spirit of duty, dedication, and the principle of Nation First.
Let us resolve that just as colors blend to create a beautiful image, we too shall unite to contribute toward building a harmonious, strong, and developed Uttarakhand. Let us offer our inner ego to the flames of Holika and make love, goodwill, discipline, and patriotism the permanent colors of our lives.
Let us transform this sacred festival of colors into not just a celebration, but a festival of resolve for the bright future of Uttarakhand and India.
Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand! Jai Bharat!