03-06-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the Interaction Programme with Women of Self-Help Groups.

Jai Hind!

If the lofty peaks of the Himalayas are the crown of Uttarakhand, then the women of this state are its soul. For centuries, amidst the difficult challenges of our mountains, the women of Uttarakhand have paved the path of development through their hard work, supported their families through sacrifice, and provided new direction to society through their determination.

The women of this sacred land are not merely protectors of their homes and families; they are custodians of our culture, guardians of nature, and pioneers of social transformation. Being present among all of you today fills me with pride, warmth, and inspiration.

I have just listened to your success stories. These stories are not only about economic achievements but also about struggle, courage, self-confidence, and determination—the very qualities that form the foundation of societal transformation.

In these achievements, I see the indomitable spirit of Uttarakhand, which has the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

The lives of women in Uttarakhand have always been filled with challenges. Despite difficult mountain terrain, limited resources, and numerous responsibilities, our mothers and sisters have never allowed circumstances to become obstacles in the path of their dreams.

If the villages of Uttarakhand remain vibrant today, if our folk culture is preserved, and if our traditions continue to be passed down through generations, it is because of the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and dedication of our women.

In our Sanatan culture, women are regarded not only with respect but also as the ultimate source of creation, compassion, and strength. Our scriptures say:

“There is no shade like that of a mother, no refuge like a mother,
No protector like a mother, and no one more beloved than a mother.”

This sentiment establishes the highest position of women in Indian culture.

My Sisters and Daughters,

The sacred land of Uttarakhand has given birth to remarkable icons of courage, bravery, and self-respect such as Veerangana Teelu Rauteli. The history of the women of this heroic land is enriched with inspiring stories of valor, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation.

The women of Uttarakhand have always demonstrated that they are not only the strength of their families but also the foundation of progress for society, the state, and the nation. Even in adverse circumstances, their unwavering courage, determination, and dedication have continuously provided new direction to development, culture, and social awareness.

Whether it is the Uttarakhand statehood movement, environmental conservation, protection of water resources, or strengthening the rural economy, women have made exemplary contributions in every field. The Chipko Movement is the finest example of this, sending a powerful message of environmental conservation to the entire world. It was not merely a movement to protect trees but an inspiring campaign of women’s empowerment, public participation, and environmental responsibility that showed the world a new path toward ecological preservation.

Today, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a modern expression of this transformative spirit. In Nainital district alone, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, more than 39,000 women are associated with 5,305 Self-Help Groups. To support them, 513 Village Organizations and 45 Cluster Level Federations are actively functioning.

These figures are not merely statistics; they are proof of organized women’s power, collective leadership, and successful social transformation.

I am pleased to note that more than 22,000 women in Nainital district have become “Lakhpati Didis,” writing new stories of economic self-reliance. Initiatives such as the Bakery Growth Centre in Bhimtal, the LED Growth Centre in Kotabagh, the Food Processing Centre in Ramgarh, the Organic and Souvenir Centre in Ramnagar, and the Spice Growth Centre in Betalghat have become excellent examples of rural entrepreneurship.

The success of Nainital offers an inspiring glimpse of statewide transformation. Today, more than one lakh “Lakhpati Didis” across Uttarakhand have become symbols of women’s empowerment, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, “House of Himalayas” has provided local products made by Self-Help Groups access to national and international markets, giving a new identity and energy to mountain livelihoods.

This initiative is not merely a platform for marketing products but a powerful medium for showcasing Uttarakhand’s identity, traditions, and the capabilities of its women on the global stage.

The vision of women-led development presented by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is now visibly taking shape in the villages of Uttarakhand. Today, women are no longer just beneficiaries of development; they are becoming the force that determines its direction. This is the true strength of a developed India.

Dear Sisters,

As a soldier, I understand very well that the true strength of a nation lies not only in the security of its borders but also in the inner strength of its society. And the most powerful manifestation of that strength is our women.

I am especially pleased that rural outlets, mobile outlets, Hilaans Kitchens, and Indira Amma Centres operated by Self-Help Groups are injecting new energy into the local economy. The remarkable business achievements of women under the Chief Minister’s Empowered Sisters Festival Scheme are strong evidence of their entrepreneurial spirit, organizational ability, and self-confidence.

At the same time, initiatives such as pine needle (Pirul) collection demonstrate an excellent balance between livelihood generation and environmental conservation. This shows that the women of Uttarakhand are fulfilling their responsibility toward nature with the same dedication with which they pursue economic prosperity. This Uttarakhand model serves as an inspiration for the entire country.

My Hardworking Sisters,

The vision of a Developed India by 2047 can only be realized if women’s talent, leadership, and entrepreneurial abilities continue to receive encouragement and support. I am fully confident that the women of Uttarakhand will stand at the forefront of this national mission and, through their hard work, innovation, and determination, achieve new heights of development.

Let us all work together to build an Uttarakhand where every woman is self-reliant, every daughter has abundant opportunities, every family is prosperous, and every village becomes a center of development.

Remember, the most reliable measure of a nation’s progress is the status of its women and their participation in society.

When the women of Uttarakhand are empowered, Uttarakhand will prosper; and when Uttarakhand prospers, the vision of a Developed India will gain new momentum.

I am fully confident that through the hard work, determination, and leadership of Uttarakhand’s women, the dream of a Developed Uttarakhand and a Developed India will certainly be realized.

With these best wishes, I conclude my address, hoping that all of you continue to progress and make invaluable contributions to the development of our state and nation.

Jai Hind!
Jai Uttarakhand!
Jai Bharat!