04-07-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the Felicitation Ceremony of Eat Right Youth Hackathon – Uttarakhand 2026

Jai Hind!

Today’s ceremony in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is not merely an occasion to honour the winning teams; it is a celebration of our national commitment to Safe Food, Healthy India, an aware and empowered youth, and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of this prestigious felicitation ceremony of the Eat Right Youth Hackathon – Uttarakhand 2026.

It is a matter of immense pride that Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to organise this innovative Eat Right Youth Hackathon. I sincerely congratulate the Department of Health, the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Technical Education, GAIN, and all the partners associated with this initiative. This endeavour reflects Uttarakhand’s leadership in innovation, public participation, and the creation of a healthier future.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the land of the Himalayas, sacred rivers, and breathtaking natural beauty, is also the cradle of India’s eternal culture, yoga, Ayurveda, penance, sacrifice, and the philosophy of balanced living. Our civilisation has always regarded food not merely as a means of satisfying hunger but as the very foundation of life, health, and spiritual well-being.

Our tradition says, “As is the food you eat, so becomes your mind.” Thus, in Indian philosophy, food is considered the basis not only of physical health but also of thoughts, values, and character. In the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says:

“Yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-cheṣṭasya karmasu,
Yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkhahā.”

This means that one who follows a balanced diet, balanced conduct, and a disciplined lifestyle attains health, happiness, and success. Modern medical science is now affirming the same truth that our ancient sages established thousands of years ago.

Dear Friends,

Among the many challenges confronting the world today, lifestyle diseases, malnutrition, unsafe food, and the growing fast-food culture are particularly significant. In such times, Eat Right is not merely a government campaign; it is a national necessity. Healthy citizens are the greatest strength of any nation, and a healthy society forms the foundation of a developed country.

I am delighted to know that 387 teams from universities, medical colleges, technical institutions, nursing colleges, IIMs, and other higher educational institutions across the state presented innovative ideas to improve food safety, nutrition, and healthy food systems. It is especially inspiring that 74 percent of the participants are young women. This is a powerful testimony to the talent, leadership, and innovative spirit of the women of Uttarakhand.

My Young Friends,

India has the world’s largest youth population, and this demographic strength is our greatest asset in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Our youth are not merely the citizens of tomorrow but the transformative leaders of today.

Innovation is not only about developing new technologies; it is about providing practical and sustainable solutions to society’s challenges. The seriousness, scientific approach, and social commitment with which you have addressed the crucial issue of food safety are truly commendable.

I consider every participating team a winner. While only six teams have received awards, every young person who contributes thoughtful ideas for the welfare of society is an active participant in nation-building. I extend my special congratulations to the six teams honoured today.

I urge all of you to ensure that your ideas do not remain confined to this competition. They should evolve into practical solutions through research, start-ups, industry, governance, and community collaboration. If even one of your innovations helps make a family’s food safer, improves a child’s nutrition, or inspires society towards healthier living, that alone will be the greatest success of this hackathon.

Dear Friends,

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that a Healthy India is the cornerstone of a Developed India. He has called upon the nation to transform Preventive Healthcare into a people’s movement. His clear message is that preventing disease is far more important than treating it after it occurs. This has always been the essence of India’s ancient way of life.

Under his leadership, several landmark initiatives have been launched, including Eat Right India, the Fit India Movement, Poshan Abhiyaan, Ayushman Bharat, the International Day of Yoga, National Nutrition Month, and the global promotion of Shree Anna (millets).

Uttarakhand is especially rich in Shree Anna and traditional nutritious grains. Crops such as Mandua (Finger Millet), Jhangora (Barnyard Millet), Chaulai (Amaranth), Gahat (Horse Gram), Bhatt (Black Soybean), and Rajma (Kidney Beans) are today gaining worldwide recognition as superfoods. They reflect the wisdom of our ancestors, their respect for nature, and their commitment to a balanced lifestyle. We should take pride in this rich food heritage and inspire the younger generation to embrace it.

This hackathon is an inspiring example of the effective convergence of education, research, and innovation. I urge our universities to further encourage research in food safety, nutrition, organic farming, local produce, and traditional food systems in the true spirit of the National Education Policy 2020. I am confident that Uttarakhand can emerge as a model for the entire country in this field.

I also appeal to our esteemed friends in the media to carry the message of Eat Right and the innovative ideas presented by our youth to every section of society. Awareness is the most effective catalyst for behavioural change.

Dear Friends,

As we move forward on the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, we must remember that developed nations are not built solely through modern infrastructure, digital technology, or economic prosperity. They are built by healthy, disciplined, aware, cultured, and responsible citizens.

Let us all resolve to make healthy eating a habit, safe food a culture, nutritious local food our identity, and regular yoga and a balanced lifestyle an integral part of our daily lives. This alone will lay the strong foundation for a Healthy Uttarakhand, a Strong India, and a Developed India by 2047.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the participants, the winning teams, the organisers, the jury members, and all the supporting institutions.

I would like to conclude with this timeless prayer from the Rig Veda:

“Ā No Bhadrāḥ Kratavo Yantu Viśvataḥ.”

“May noble, auspicious, and inspiring thoughts come to us from every direction.”

With this spirit, let us all reaffirm our commitment to “Right Food – Empowered Youth, Healthy Uttarakhand – Developed India.”

Wishing each one of you good health, happiness, and prosperity, I conclude my address.

Jai Uttarakhand! Jai Bharat! Jai Hind!