16-07-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of Harela Festival–2026

(Date: July 16, 2026)

Jai Hind!

It gives me immense pleasure and a deep sense of satisfaction to be present among you today on the sacred occasion of Harela, a festival that reflects the rich folk culture of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, our eternal reverence for nature, and our agrarian way of life. It is especially meaningful to celebrate this occasion on the hallowed campus of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar—the birthplace of India’s Green Revolution. I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the University fraternity, the hardworking farmers of the State, and all the people of Uttarakhand on the auspicious occasion of Harela.

The celebration of Harela at Pantnagar is not merely the observance of a traditional festival; it is an inspiring confluence of India’s agricultural heritage, gratitude towards nature, and scientific innovation. It is a powerful example of the harmonious integration of our cultural traditions with modern science.

India is not merely a nation; it is a great civilization shaped over thousands of years. Our culture has always revered nature and regarded the Earth as our Mother. The Atharva Veda proclaims:

“Mātā Bhūmiḥ Putro’ham Pṛthivyāḥ.”
The Earth is my Mother, and I am Her son.

The Indian philosophical principle “Yat Pinde Tat Brahmande” teaches us that humanity and nature are inseparable. Therefore, protecting nature is not merely an environmental concern; it is essential for preserving our existence, our culture, and the future of generations to come.

Harela is the living expression of this eternal philosophy. It is not just a festival of greenery, but a celebration of India’s agricultural civilization. When a farmer sows a seed into the soil, he is not merely planting a crop; he is sowing hope, hard work, and the promise of the future. Thus, Harela reminds us to live in harmony with nature, to honour the dignity of labour, and to pursue sustainable development.

The greatest message of Harela lies in the seed. Just as a seed holds infinite possibilities for the future, noble thoughts, sound values, and meaningful research form the foundation of a bright and prosperous nation.

That is why I believe the relationship between Harela and Pantnagar is not merely coincidental; it is the natural convergence of India’s agricultural civilization. Harela teaches us to sow seeds, while Pantnagar empowers those seeds through science. Farmers nurture them through their hard work, scientists enrich them through research and innovation, and nature breathes life into them. When tradition, science, farmers, and nature move forward together, they build a prosperous society and a strong nation. This is the essence of Harela and the guiding vision of this great University.

Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology occupies a place of pride in India’s agricultural journey. Having made a historic contribution to the Green Revolution, the University continues to shape the future of agriculture through cutting-edge research, innovation, and farmer-centric education.

Today, the objective of agriculture extends beyond increasing production. It is about building a sustainable, climate-resilient, and farmer-centric agricultural system. I am pleased to note that Pantnagar University is making remarkable contributions in this direction through artificial intelligence, digital agriculture, biotechnology, and innovation. Science achieves its true purpose only when its benefits travel from the laboratory to the farmer’s field and bring positive transformation to rural lives.

It is equally heartening that the University is engaging the talent and experience of its alumni in its journey of development. BRAIN 3.0 represents an inspiring confluence of knowledge, innovation, and responsibility. Through collaboration with industries and research institutions, a robust innovation ecosystem is being developed for the agriculture of tomorrow. These efforts reflect a new direction in agricultural education aligned with the aspirations of a Developed India.

I am particularly delighted that Harela is being associated with contemporary themes such as tree plantation, carbon credits, and environmental responsibility. This demonstrates the enduring relevance of our traditional festivals in today’s world. Such harmony between culture and science forms the foundation of sustainable development.

The thousands of saplings being planted today are green pledges for the future. Plantation becomes meaningful only when it is accompanied by a commitment to protection and nurturing. Agricultural diversification, natural farming, and innovation are opening new avenues of prosperity for our farmers. The progressive farmers being honoured today are a source of inspiration for us all.

Today, it is essential that scientists, teachers, students, farmers, industry leaders, and alumni work together as one agricultural innovation family. When knowledge, research, experience, and public participation come together, agriculture becomes self-reliant, farmers become prosperous, and the vision of a Developed India gains strength.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, the entire world is confronting serious challenges such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, and the growing threat to biodiversity. Being a Himalayan State, Uttarakhand experiences these changes more acutely. Our glaciers, rivers, forests, and biodiversity are not merely natural treasures; they are the lifeline of millions of people, sustaining agriculture, livelihoods, and ecological balance. Therefore, environmental conservation is not just an ecological necessity for us—it is a cultural responsibility and a national duty.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always regarded nature as an integral part of its culture and way of life. The Chipko Movement taught the world that trees are the foundation of life. The Maati Movement transformed tree plantation into a social tradition. Van Panchayats established a powerful model of community participation in forest conservation. Today, innovations such as Seed Balls are giving new momentum to this green consciousness. The central message of all these efforts is the same: protecting nature is not solely the responsibility of the government—it is a shared responsibility of society as a whole.

I am pleased that the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant a Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has transformed environmental protection into a nationwide people’s movement. In Indian culture, the mother symbolizes life, care, and creation. Every tree planted in honour of one’s mother is a living expression of gratitude towards our mother, Mother Nature, and future generations. This initiative beautifully harmonizes our cultural heritage with modern environmental consciousness.

Today, our responsibility extends beyond planting trees—it is to nurture them until they grow into strong and healthy trees. If every school, every Gram Panchayat, every agricultural institution, and every family commits itself to protecting at least one sapling, Harela will evolve from being a festival into a powerful mass movement for environmental conservation.

Dear Young Friends,

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing towards the national aspiration of “Viksit Bharat–2047” (Developed India by 2047). The path to a developed India passes through developed agriculture, scientific research, innovation, self-reliant rural economies, and environmental sustainability. Similarly, the dream of a developed Uttarakhand can be realized only when our farmers prosper, our scientists innovate, our youth embrace technology, startups, and entrepreneurship, and our development remains in harmony with nature.

I especially urge the students, research scholars, and young scientists of Pantnagar University not to confine themselves merely to acquiring knowledge, but to become creators of knowledge. Take research from laboratories to farmers’ fields, connect artificial intelligence and modern technologies with farmers’ welfare, and promote climate-resilient agriculture. This is the glorious legacy and national responsibility of this great University.

I also expect our scientists to ensure that every research endeavour contributes to the prosperity of farmers, the protection of the environment, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Agricultural science fulfils its true purpose only when it directly benefits farmers and improves their lives.

Our women have always been the greatest custodians of our agricultural traditions and environmental values. Mothers and sisters have played a vital role in preserving festivals like Harela across generations. With the active participation of Self-Help Groups, Mahila Mangal Dals, and local communities, environmental conservation can truly become a people’s movement.

Today, we must also ensure that our commitment to protecting nature is not confined to festivals alone, but becomes a way of life. Water conservation, soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement, the use of clean energy, and the responsible utilization of natural resources are not only environmental responsibilities but also essential prerequisites for a Developed India.

On this sacred occasion of Harela, let us all resolve to make environmental conservation an integral part of our lives; to plant a tree and nurture it until it flourishes; to link science and development with environmental protection; and to build an Uttarakhand where tradition and technology, agriculture and innovation, environment and development complement one another. This is the true message of Harela, the identity of Pantnagar, and the firm foundation of a Developed Uttarakhand and a Developed India.

Let the inspiring Vedic mantra from the Rig Veda guide our collective journey:

“Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam;
Deva Bhagam Yatha Purve Sanjanana Upasate.”

Let us walk together. Let us think together. Let our minds be united. Just as the noble ones of ancient times worked together in harmony, let us continue to work collectively for the welfare of society, the nation, and humanity.

With these heartiest wishes, I once again extend my warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Harela and conclude my address.

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!