28-11-2028 : Address of Hon’ble Governor on the topic “Security and Environmental Challenges of Uttarakhand and the Prospects of Tourism” during the “Vimarsh” Programme
Jai Hind!
I am truly delighted that today, just like the three points of Lord Shiva’s Trishul—representing Willpower, Knowledge, and Action—the power of this discourse is also focused on three crucial subjects: Security, Environmental Challenges, and Tourism Opportunities in Uttarakhand.
We stand today in a global environment where the world is constantly changing. The definition of war is changing. Threats have become more complex and multidimensional than ever before. In such times, national security for India is no longer only about military strength. It is the combined expression of collective awareness, technological capability, internal unity, strong political will, and a firm commitment to putting the Nation First.
Evolving relations with neighboring countries, shifting global power dynamics, border challenges, or invisible threats like cyber warfare—every situation reminds us that a “Secure India” is the foundation of a “Developed India.” National security is both the shield of our present and the foundation of our future.
Friends,
Modern warfare is not limited to bullets and artillery. The enemy comes through cyber attacks, data theft, drones in the sky, false media narratives, economic pressure, psychological warfare, proxy terrorism, and malicious attempts to attack our unity. Sovereignty, territory, aerospace, cyber—these are not just words but the new battlefields of modern strategy.
I firmly believe—a nation is not defended by soldiers alone. Government policies, diplomacy, the mindset of citizens, the strength of information systems, economic power, military capabilities, technological advancements, and the responsible conduct of media—together they make a nation invincible.
I have dedicated forty years of my life in service of our Motherland—ten years on the China border, ten years in Kashmir, leadership of six major military operations, and a decade of strategic decision-making at Army Headquarters. I have visited Pakistan twice and China eight times. I know well the mindset, trickery, and deceptive strategies of both nations. China and Pakistan continue to pose direct and indirect threats to us.
China is engaged in indirect war, proxy war, media war, and psychological warfare to push forward its expansionist agenda. Pakistan remains sheltered in China’s lap. The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor directly threatens India’s interests. Instability in Bangladesh, Nepal, and other neighboring countries is equally concerning.
At present, our relations with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are at a very sensitive juncture. We must take a pledge—Aksai Chin will be reclaimed, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir will return to India. We must secure our maritime routes and closely monitor the fast-changing dynamics of the South China Sea—a new arena of global geostrategic conflict.
With pride, I say that after 2014, India’s security policy has demonstrated unprecedented maturity and firmness. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s “Red Lines” on national security are now crystal clear. Border infrastructure—tunnels carved through mountains, expanded road networks, new air bases, Vibrant Village initiatives—have sent a strong message: This is the New India. We do not provoke anyone—but if provoked, we do not spare anyone.
Remember: Invisible threats are often the most dangerous—internal security threats. To counter them, every citizen must remain alert. The army alone cannot fight this battle. Citizens, youth, intellectuals, journalists, leaders—all must understand that when the nation is at stake, there is no disagreement—Only Nation First.
We must not forget—Mughals and British not only plundered us but enslaved our mindset. Today we must break that slavery. We must take pride in our heritage and strengthen our identity. From Tibet to Kandahar, and from Kashmir to Indonesia—this cultural sphere of Greater India must rise again in our collective consciousness.
Friends,
Uttarakhand is not merely a geographical region—it is the strategic backbone of India. This sacred land has given the Indian Army the highest number of brave and dedicated soldiers. Our borders here touch a nation whose expansionist ambitions are no secret. The highest mountains stand firm, but true security lies in the unwavering determination of the soldier who stands guard upon them.
Security challenges in Uttarakhand are multidimensional—sensitive borders, difficult mountains, complex glaciers, migration from border villages, declining population in frontier regions, and China’s increasing activities. These are both strategic challenges and strategic strengths.
For external security, Uttarakhand needs stronger roads, tunnels, communication, airstrips, and logistics. The Vibrant Village Programme is a major step forward. Border villages must revive—only a populated border is a protected border. Remember, a deserted border is the greatest vulnerability—and a thriving border is the greatest security.
Internal security is equally critical. Uttarakhand faces earthquakes, landslides, glacier bursts, extreme weather—these natural challenges directly affect security. Alongside this—drug abuse, radicalism, fake news, cybercrime, and cross-border misinformation threaten internal stability. The solution lies in strong governance, strong society, and vigilant citizens.
Friends,
In Indian culture, nature is not merely a resource—it is sacred. In Sanatan Dharma, nature is divine—rivers are mothers, mountains are gods, trees have life. Sikh philosophy says: “Air is Guru, Water is Father, Earth is the Great Mother.”
This very philosophy has preserved 71% forest cover in Uttarakhand—where nature is not only seen, but lived. The Chipko Movement, the Maiti Movement, watershed initiatives—Uttarakhand’s mountains taught the world the scientific value of protecting nature.
We are proud that Padma Shri Shri Kalyan Singh Rawat ji—the pioneer of the Maiti Movement, promoting afforestation since 1995—is present among us today.
Our responsibility is greater because we reside in the lap of the Himalayas. There can be no progress without sustainable development. We need development—but with stable land. We need tourism—but with responsible conduct. If we do not respect nature, we will face its punishment—earthquakes, landslides, floods, wildfires.
COVID-19 taught the world that distancing from nature and nutrition brings destruction. During the pandemic, India served humanity with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We proved that nature, yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional healing are the future of wellness. The world now moves toward natural and organic food, toward millets. Uttarakhand must lead this global shift—to save the world from toxic food.
Friends,
Nature has blessed Uttarakhand with priceless treasures—majestic Himalayas, sacred rivers, dense forests, serene valleys. This is the land of multidimensional tourism: spirituality, adventure, wellness tourism, yoga and Ayurveda, eco-tourism, religious tourism, homestays, wedding destinations, bird watching, spiritual research—everything is here.
Prime Minister Modi ji’s deep devotion to Badrinath and Kedarnath has elevated pilgrimage in Uttarakhand to new heights. Redevelopment of Char Dham, masterplans of Kedarnath and Badrinath, global introduction of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat—tourism has grown fivefold.
More than 50 lakh pilgrims visit the Char Dham annually. Over 5 crore Kanwar Yatris arrive in just 15 days. These are not just numbers—they represent a rising cultural awakening. Round-the-year tourism, winter pilgrimage, and the vision of making Uttarakhand a wedding destination hub will strengthen the economy and transform Uttarakhand into the Tourism Capital of India.
I express my gratitude to Lt Gen V.K. Chaturvedi ji, Lt Gen A.K. Singh ji, Padma Shri Kalyan Singh Rawat ji, Commander Deepak Khanduri ji, and Colonel Ajay Kothiyal ji for participating in this significant discussion.
Finally, I wish to convey one message to every citizen—National security is not secured by borders alone; it is secured by the awareness of its people. Every citizen of Uttarakhand must recognize the combined power of nature, environment, security, and tourism.
Uttarakhand is the sacred land of Lord Shiva. This land does not only offer tourism—it offers peace to the soul, strength to character, and direction to life.
My humble request to all of you is—place national security within your soul, and take responsibility for protecting Uttarakhand’s environment. In this lies the safety of India’s present, the security of its future, and the assurance of India’s leadership in the world.
With hope, aspiration, and faith, I salute this divine land, this land of bravery and spirituality—and conclude my address.
Jai Hind!