27-11-2025 : Address of the Hon’ble Governor at the Book Launch Ceremony of “Pushkar Dhami: The Vibrant Heat of the Himalayas”
Jai Hind!
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Dhami ji,
Acharya Pramod Krishnan Maharaj ji,
Pujya Swami Shri Chidanand Muni ji,
Distinguished guests, literary scholars, learned personalities,
and worshippers of art and culture present here in this auditorium!
I feel greatly honored and privileged to be present on this august occasion. This is not merely the launch of a book, but a celebration of that literary tradition which weaves together thought, culture, and leadership into a single thread.
Many possibilities take birth in society and family, but this talented young author named “Sambhavana” has proved that she is not merely a name, but a living force.
By shaping the life of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami ji into words, she has demonstrated that when “potential” becomes action, it shines like a radiant star in the sky of literature.
The intellectual level of any state rises only when its young generation remains committed to literature, thought, and culture. This talented daughter of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Sambhavana, has displayed a maturity, research-depth, and emotional strength at such a young age that is not only admirable but also inspiring.
Based on the personality and achievements of Chief Minister Dhami ji, she has written such a vivid, clear, and profound life account that in the coming times it will prove to be an important source for the study of both literature and politics.
This book is not merely a compilation of events; it is a coherent life-narrative of Uttarakhand’s political tradition, its cultural soul, its struggles, and its rise.
Its opening line—“A determined person is not troubled by failures, but learns from them and moves forward”—reveals the essence of this book. This idea not only expresses Dhami ji’s life philosophy, but is also an inspiration to every young person who keeps their dreams alive even in adverse circumstances.
The speciality of literature lies in the fact that it does not merely record events, it preserves eras. In today’s time—when the disordered flow of social media, fake news, incomplete information, and misleading propaganda often blur the truth—literature becomes the mirror in which society can see its true reflection.
Literature is that strength which restores truth to the center amidst the noise of deceit and distortion. Therefore, this work by Sambhavana is even more significant, because it brings forth those layers of leadership which are often unseen, but are crucial for the nation and society.
In this biography, the author has narrated CM Dhami ji’s childhood, student life, his days of struggle in Lucknow, and his later political rise with such authenticity and emotional depth that it compels the reader not just to read, but to feel.
This journey, beginning from a mountain village, has been full of struggle, patience, service, and unwavering self-confidence—today becoming the foundation of Uttarakhand’s new direction. In these sections, the author has beautifully presented the two major pillars of Dhami ji’s life—courage and restraint.
Here, I wish to share a very personal memory. During my military service, when I was posted in the Banbasa region, I developed a close relationship with the Dhami family. Dhami ji’s revered father, Late Shri Sher Singh ji, was a very close companion of mine during my army years.
The discipline, patriotism and asceticism of military culture that we shared is still deeply visible in Dhami ji’s personality. When he assumed the office of Chief Minister and in our first meeting showed me an old photograph with such simplicity, many memories came alive again. At that moment, I felt that leadership is not merely a position, but a continuous flow of values.
Dhami ji’s leadership is special because it is a harmonious blend of humility and firmness. The trust that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji placed in him—he has fulfilled that through policies, decisions, and tireless action. Youth-centered governance, transparent recruitments, anti-cheating laws, and opportunity-driven administration—these have filled the youth of the state with renewed energy.
He has not limited development to mere announcements, but has given it practicality and speed. Through the mountain development model—model village initiatives, tourism circuits, connectivity to remote regions, and promotion of local products to global identity—he has laid a strong foundation to curb migration from the hills.
His contributions in preserving religious and cultural heritage are also commendable. The redevelopment of Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath–Badrinath Master Plan, Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, and spiritual infrastructure have placed Uttarakhand at the core of spiritual India.
In moments of disaster, his leadership shines even brighter—whether it was the Silkyara tunnel accident, the Joshimath landslide, the tragedies in Dharali and Tharali, or the incidents in Banbhoolpura—his swift presence, steady decisions, and human sensitivity prove that he is by nature a first-line leader.
In the direction of administrative reforms too, he has established a new culture: The formula of Speed, Scale, and Standard—where governance is fast, transparent, and responsive.
The anti-cheating law, the initiative toward Uniform Civil Code, action against encroachment, and equal opportunities in education—all showcase the seriousness of his leadership. From surprise inspections of hospitals and ISBTs to improving the functioning of every department—he has given a new dimension to the basic sensitivity of governance.
The struggles, decisions, emotions, and human aspects hidden within political life—these can be portrayed most authentically only through literature. Therefore, this book emerges not just as a work, but as an important chapter of Uttarakhand’s political-cultural history.
Leadership becomes meaningful only when its journey becomes an inspiration for society, and literature becomes great only when it can provide direction to thought. Sambhavana Pant’s creation fulfills both these purposes with remarkable harmony.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the young author Sambhavana Pant and convey my best wishes for her bright future.
Expressing good wishes to all contributors of this book and to all esteemed guests present here, I conclude my words.
Jai Hind!