25-01-2022:Governor has extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Republic Day.
Rajbhawan, Dehradun, 25 January, 2022
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) has extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Republic Day. The Governor has bowed to all the great freedom fighters and constitution makers including the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and the main architect of the Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar. He has also expressed respect to all the military families of Veer Bhoomi Uttarakhand, whose brave sons are serving the Nation on borders.
In his message issued to the people of the state on the eve of Republic Day, Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that today is a day of deep introspection, determination and dedication. Whatever goals we set, it is the day to take a resolution to fulfill them with strong will power, discipline and complete dedication. Today is also a day of self-evaluation. We have to see what we have done for our country, state and society. We have to develop a sense of responsibility for the country within ourselves.
The Governor said that after the formation of a separate state, Uttarakhand has traveled a golden path of development and progress for 21 years. But we still have a lot to do. According to the dreams of the Rajya Andolankaris and the sentiments of the people, the state has to be taken to new heights of progress. We have to face the various challenges that lie ahead.
The Governor said that the biggest concern of the state is migration. Migration, especially in the border districts, is a warning from a strategic point of view. We have to make reverse migration a mission. Migration can be stopped only through basic facilities like road connectivity, education, health facilities, communication in the remote areas of the hilly areas of the state. I have high hopes from the youth of Uttarakhand in this direction. I hope that the new generation of Uttarakhand will work for reverse migration. They will try to increase self-employment opportunities based on local products through innovation, technology and digital marketing, micro financing, in their homes and villages. Hope they will try to establish the local products and handicrafts of Uttarakhand as a brand on the global platform. The youth of Uttarakhand will have to maintain the spirit of connecting with their homes, villages and soil.
The Governor said that the basic spirit of the republic can be realized only with equal participation of all in development and progress. We have to ensure the local participation in the development of the state. Particularly participation of women and youth is important. The Governor said that Uttarakhand is the land of women strength. The women of the state, especially the women from the hilly areas, are an excellent example of women empowerment. Women are the backbone of the economic and social structure in the state. The hardworking, courageous and self-reliant women of Uttarakhand are a source of inspiration for the country and the world. Women are writing a new chapter of economic empowerment through self-help groups. The efforts being made by them for self-employment based on local products and crafts are commendable. It is necessary to provide good health facilities and education to women in the state. We have to develop leadership potential among women. No country or society can progress without empowering women.
The Governor said that the whole world is affected by the Corona epidemic for the last two years. We have tried to meet the challenges of covid successfully. But keep in mind that this health crisis is not over yet. We have to strictly follow the covid protocol. Along with this, other people have to be made aware of following Covid protocol and vaccination. Due to the tireless efforts and service spirit of the health workers, we were able to get a large part of our population vaccinated. Dedicated health workers in the state also vaccinated the elderly, differently-abled and needy women at their homes. I express my heartfelt respect to the health workers.
The Governor said that now all of us have to make efforts to normalize the situation together. We have to move forward unitedly in the social, economic, industrial and health sector with determination.
The Governor said that only through education we can achieve the goal of development, progress, happiness and prosperity.We have to provide dedicated teachers, quality study material and good facilities to schools in remote areas and marginal areas of Uttarakhand. Efforts can be made to fill the gap of quality education in remote areas through smart classes, online education and technology. We have to pay attention that good education should not only be given to the rich and capable children living in big cities but also equally to the needy children of the far flung areas of the state and the last villages on the borders. Many reforms are also needed in the field of higher education. With the increasing number of universities and technical educational institutions in the state, it is necessary to emphasize on quality education. The focus should be on research, innovation, vocational training and skill based education in universities. Universities have to work for modernization, transformation, artificial intelligence, digitization and new technology. Universities also have to work on issues like reverse migration, women empowerment, strengthening self-help groups, increasing farmers’ income, making villages self-reliant, self-employment through local products.
The Governor said that Uttarakhand has immense potential for organic farming, aromatic farming, horticultural, herbal cultivation and fruit production. By connecting them with small, medium and micro industries, food processing units and women self-help groups, maximum benefits can be obtained. There is a need to encourage more and more local people especially the youth for this. This can be the most effective way to increase the income of the local people and prevent migration.
The Governor said that youth is the present, future and strength of this country and the state. The extraordinary energy, creative thinking, honesty, fearlessness and strength of the youth will create a bright future for this great country. Youth is the strength change. Understanding their responsibilities towards the country, the youth have to realize the dream of making India a Vishva Guru. The youth have to fulfill their duties with complete honesty, not just talking about rights.
The Governor said that the youth has to uphold the passion and spirit of the nation first by eliminating religion, caste, language, province and other narrow mindsets. It is the sacred duty of every Indian to contribute to social unity and sustainable development by eliminating corruption and violence.
The Governor said that “the process of assembly elections has started in the state. The people of the state are getting a golden opportunity to elect their government once again for the coming 5 years. Without coming under any other pressure, in the interest of the state, rise above personal interest and exercise your right to vote without fear and strengthen the democracy.
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