01-03-2026:Address of Hon’ble Governor at the Closing Ceremony of Vasantotsav-2026
Jai Hind!
With deep reverence, I bow at the sacred feet of Baba Kedarnath and Lord Badri Vishal, the eternal guardians of this divine land. On this auspicious occasion of the closing ceremony of Vasantotsav, held in the floral courtyard of Lok Bhavan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and sincere appreciation to all distinguished guests, dedicated flower growers, our hardworking farmers, cultivators from various districts, respected mothers and sisters, energetic youth, dear children, and members of the media present here today.
My heart is filled with immense joy. Over the past three days, this campus of Lok Bhavan has not merely hosted a flower exhibition, but has transformed into a vibrant confluence of nature, culture, progress, and spirituality. It has truly brought the essence of the Valley of Flowers into the heart of Dehradun. The enthusiasm and pride reflected in your eyes today represent the vision of a developed and prosperous Uttarakhand.
My dear brothers and sisters,
Spring is not merely a change of season; it is a transition from inertia to awakening. It is a journey from the self to the collective good. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, declares, “Among seasons, I am the Spring,” highlighting its divine significance. When the Creator Himself identifies with spring, it reflects the sacredness and transformative power of this season.
In Uttarakhand, where every particle resonates with divinity and strength, Vasantotsav symbolizes renewal and resurgence. Just as a tender bud breaks through the harshness of winter, this festival inspires new determination and fresh energy within us. It represents the living continuation of our rich traditions and our courage to rise to greater heights.
Uttarakhand is not merely a geographical entity; it is a spiritual vibration. It is the land of sages and the land of brave hearts. As a soldier, when I look at this land, I see resilience even in the delicate beauty of its flowers. Serving this sacred land is my honour and privilege.
Just as a soldier stands firm at the nation’s borders in extreme conditions, our farmers cultivate flowers like saffron, tulips, and roses in the difficult terrain of the mountains. This is dedication. This is devotion. Today, I express my deep gratitude to all our farmers whose tireless efforts have helped establish Uttarakhand as a recognised floral state, not only nationally but globally.
Brothers and sisters,
We must understand that floriculture is not merely ornamental—it is an emerging lifeline of Uttarakhand’s economy. Our unique climate provides immense opportunity. It is my dream and firm resolve that flowers such as gerbera, lily, and orchid grown in Uttarakhand reach global markets like London, Paris, and New York, carrying with them the fragrance of Devbhoomi.
Our flower growers are the true ambassadors of the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement. We must transform floriculture into a thriving agri-business sector. The government is working in mission mode to ensure that our youth find employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through a floral revolution, eliminating the need for migration.
I bow with great respect to our women. The women of Uttarakhand are the true custodians of our natural and social heritage. The confidence and determination I witnessed at the Self-Help Group stalls clearly demonstrate that the path toward a developed Uttarakhand is being built by their strength.
My young friends,
You must become agri-entrepreneurs. This is the age of technology. We must integrate traditional wisdom with modern innovation—from drones and precision farming to organic cultivation and global marketing. The sky is the limit. Lok Bhavan and the Government stand firmly with your ideas, your startups, and your innovations.
As a soldier, discipline has been my guiding principle. I am particularly happy that despite the presence of a large number of visitors, the festival maintained environmental responsibility by avoiding the use of polythene. This reflects our collective commitment to sustainability.
Spring reminds us that we are not the owners of nature, but its trustees. We must preserve Uttarakhand as a clean, green, and sustainable state for future generations. Progress can only be achieved through harmony with nature, not exploitation.
The cultural performances during these three days have kept our heritage alive. Our folk arts are the blessings of our ancestors. I congratulate all artists who enriched this festival with their talent.
I extend my congratulations to all the award winners. Your excellence is commendable. To those who did not receive awards, I say—carry forward your experience with confidence. Every seed blooms in its own time. Perseverance is the key to success.
I also express my sincere appreciation to the Horticulture Department, administration, police personnel, and all those unsung heroes whose dedicated efforts ensured the success of this grand event.
My dear citizens,
Hon’ble Prime Minister has rightly said that this decade belongs to Uttarakhand. We must build a state that is not only economically strong but also morally and spiritually inspiring.
Our lives must be guided by the four pillars:
Spirituality – to ensure selfless action
Strength – to face challenges with courage
Skill – to achieve global excellence
Service – to uphold the principle of Nation First
As this Vasantotsav concludes, I pray that its fragrance remains in your hearts forever. Let us take a collective pledge to build an Atmanirbhar, clean, green, and prosperous Uttarakhand.
May the fragrance of these flowers bring hope and happiness to every citizen.
May God bless you all. May your future be as bright and fragrant as these flowers.
Vande Mataram!
Jai Uttarakhand!
Jai Hind!