14-08-2026 : Governor has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the country and the state on the occasion of Independence Day.
Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note
Governor Extends Greetings and Best Wishes on Independence Day
“Let the Amrit Sankalps of Independence—Nation First, a Drug-Free India and a Developed India—Become the Collective Resolve of Every Citizen”: Governor
Lok Bhavan Dehradun 14 August, 2026
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) has extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the country and the state on the occasion of Independence Day.
In his message issued on the eve of Independence Day, the Governor paid homage to all known and unknown freedom fighters, immortal martyrs, and brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. He said that it is because of the sacrifice, dedication, and indomitable courage of the freedom fighters that we are able to live in an independent India and pursue our dreams freely.
The Governor said that Independence Day is not merely an occasion for celebration, but also an opportunity to renew our commitment and dedication towards our responsibilities to the nation. He said that by 2047, when India celebrates the centenary of its independence, our goal should be to realise the vision of a developed, self-reliant, prosperous India capable of providing new direction to the world. Active participation and contribution from every citizen will be crucial to achieving this national resolve.
He said that on this Independence Day, we need to adopt three major resolutions—“Nation First,” “Drug-Free India,” and “Developed India by 2047”—as an integral part of our personal and social lives. These resolutions will form the foundation of India’s progress in the next phase of its journey as an independent nation.
Nation First—The Supreme Resolve of Every Citizen
The Governor said that the spirit of “Nation First” should not remain confined to any particular occasion. Loyalty towards the nation, respect for the Constitution and democratic values, sincere discharge of one’s duties, protection of the environment, social harmony, and safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation are all expressions of the spirit of putting the nation first. He said that along with our rights, we must remain equally conscious of our duties.
Developed India by 2047—The Future Will Be Built Through Today’s Resolve
The Governor said that India has resolved to become a developed nation by 2047. This goal is not limited merely to economic growth; it is a commitment to building an India that is among the world’s leading nations in knowledge, science, technology, education, healthcare, and security.
He said that artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber technology, quantum technology, space technology, and other emerging fields offer immense opportunities for India’s youth. The new generation must be prepared to meet the needs of the future. Promoting research, innovation, and skill development in education and preparing India’s youth for global leadership is the need of the hour.
Drug-Free Youth—The Identity of an Empowered India
The Governor said that substance abuse not only affects an individual’s health and future but also weakens the strength of the family, society, and nation. India’s youth are its greatest strength. Therefore, keeping young people away from substance abuse and connecting them with education, sports, skill development, innovation, startups, and opportunities for nation-building is a collective responsibility.
He said that “Drug-Free India” should not be viewed merely as a government campaign, but as a shared resolve of every family, school, university, parent, teacher, and young person. Calling upon the youth, the Governor urged them to channel their energy and talent towards nation-building and, besides staying away from substance abuse themselves, inspire their peers to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
Time to Transform Uttarakhand’s Potential into Opportunities
The Governor said that despite its challenging geographical conditions, Uttarakhand is establishing new benchmarks of development. The natural and cultural wealth of Devbhoomi is the state’s greatest strength. Uttarakhand has immense potential in areas such as yoga, Ayurveda, natural and organic farming, horticulture, honey, aroma, wellness, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism.
He said that innovation, technology, and better utilisation of local resources will be essential to transform these possibilities into employment and economic opportunities. Connecting local products, local talent, and local enterprises with global markets will be an important step towards building a developed Uttarakhand.
The Governor said that tourism is an important pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy. Along with Char Dham, Manaskhand, and Hemkund Sahib, the state is being developed as a leading “All-Season Tourism Destination” by promoting adventure, spiritual, wellness, and eco-tourism. The positive response to winter travel is an encouraging indication in this direction.
The Governor said that the role of women is extremely important in Uttarakhand’s development journey. Women in the hills have strengthened their families, society, and the economy despite difficult circumstances. It is necessary to further strengthen women’s economic and social participation through women’s self-help groups, entrepreneurship, skill development, and education. He said that by providing quality education to girls and modern skills to young people, we will not only strengthen the present but also lay the foundation for the India of tomorrow.
The Governor said that Uttarakhand is a land of valour. Countless brave sons of the state have made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. The construction of Sainya Dham is an important effort to permanently honour the valour and sacrifice of the state’s brave soldiers.
He said that the spirit of “Nation First” is deeply rooted in the soil and culture of Uttarakhand. From soldiers guarding the nation’s borders to farmers working in the fields, teachers contributing to education, youth shaping the future of the country, and women advancing society, every citizen is playing an important role in nation-building.
The Governor called upon the people of the state to collectively make “Nation First” their highest priority this Independence Day, actively participate in building a “Drug-Free India,” and contribute towards fulfilling the resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047.
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Note: On the occasion of Independence Day, Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) will hoist the National Flag at Lok Bhavan at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026.