10-10-2026: Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand At the Programme “Uttarakhand Deep-Tech 2030 Building Technology for the Mountains”

Jai Hind!

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji; Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Shri Pradeep Batra Ji; Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Bardhan Ji; Director General of Police, Shri Deepam Seth Ji; distinguished guests, Shri Dilip Tahil Ji, Ms. Vidushi Nishank Ji and Shri Jayant Srinivas Ji; my fellow veterans; respected Vice-Chancellors; academicians; entrepreneurs; artists; innovators; and my dear young friends!

I extend a very warm welcome and greetings to all of you at Lok Bhavan.

Today’s gathering is not merely an occasion to discuss technology; it is an endeavour to give a new direction to the future of Uttarakhand. The central idea behind “Uttarakhand Deep-Tech 2030: Building Technology for the Mountains” is clear—to develop technologies that address the real challenges of the mountains and take the opportunities of development to the last village.

Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi, the Land of the Gods; it is also a land of valour. Now, we must make it a land of knowledge, research and innovation as well.

My four decades of service in the Indian Army have taught me that modern technology becomes truly meaningful only when it strengthens human judgement, discipline and decision-making.

Our mountains face unique challenges—remote villages, difficult terrain, the threat of natural disasters and the migration of our youth. In situations involving landslides, cloudbursts and floods, timely warnings can save lives. Strengthening security in border areas, taking healthcare services to remote villages and creating employment opportunities locally are also among our key priorities.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, can play an important role in addressing these challenges. Analysis of weather and geographical data can support disaster management. In healthcare, AI can expand access to preliminary diagnosis and specialist consultations. In education, it can create new learning opportunities for students, while in agriculture it can help provide better advice related to crops and weather.

Our mandua, jhangora, chaulai, medicinal plants and other local products can be connected with technology and digital markets to create new opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs. In this manner, AI can help strengthen the local economy, create greater employment opportunities for our youth and contribute towards addressing the challenge of migration.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has said, “The third decade of the 21st century will be the decade of Uttarakhand.” To realise this vision, we must connect technology with education, research, entrepreneurship and public service.

The launch of the ‘Uttarakhand Deep-Tech 2030’ initiative today is an important step in this direction. It advances our vision that technology should not remain confined to large cities, but should be developed according to the needs of the mountains and its benefits should reach even the remotest villages.

With this objective, an AI Theme Room has been established at Lok Bhavan. In collaboration with Doon University and IIT Madras, ‘AI for All’ courses were introduced for students of higher education. Today, the launch of the ‘AI for Everyone’ course, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Supply Chain Management and Logistics at Doon University, takes this effort further.

Our second important initiative is ‘AI on Wheels 2.0’, which has been flagged off today. Through this initiative, the activities of the AI Theme Room will be taken to all 13 districts of Uttarakhand. It will serve as a means of increasing technological awareness among schools, colleges and communities.

My dream is that no child from the mountains should be left behind because of a lack of opportunities. Every student should be able to say with confidence:

“AI is for me too, and I can use it to solve the problems of my society.”

Today’s discussions have further strengthened our belief that the true significance of technology lies in its ability to enhance human capabilities and address the real challenges of life.

The discussions relating to the military and defence sector have made it clear that drones, satellites and Artificial Intelligence are opening new possibilities in modern security systems. However advanced technology may become, the courage, leadership, judgement and commitment to the nation of our soldiers will always remain indispensable.

I am particularly pleased that we had the opportunity to hear the experiences of Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, a Kargil War veteran. Her courage and spirit of service are an inspiration for our daughters. Her journey reminds us that when our daughters are given opportunity, confidence and determination, they can demonstrate their talent and capabilities in every field.

This same vision must guide us in the field of education as well.

In the age of Artificial Intelligence, the purpose of education cannot be limited to providing information or teaching students to memorise answers. We must cultivate in our students the ability to ask questions, reason, experiment and discover new solutions.

The responsibility of our universities is not merely to award degrees, but also to undertake research that can find solutions to the real problems of Uttarakhand. In this spirit, the idea of “One University, One Research” becomes important.

When universities conduct research keeping in mind their surrounding communities, local resources and regional needs, the benefits of knowledge will directly reach people’s lives.

Equally important is the process of transforming knowledge into useful solutions and solutions into employment.

The discussions around art, cinema, digital creation and entrepreneurship have highlighted that technology can open new possibilities, but originality, sensitivity and human creativity have their own unique significance.

The youth of Uttarakhand must use these capabilities to transform new ideas into enterprises. Our startups, homestays, organic farming, tourism, digital services and local products can become new foundations for employment and economic growth.

I believe that our youth should not limit themselves to seeking employment; through their knowledge and innovation, they should also create employment opportunities for others.

The message from all three areas is the same: in security, technology must become an ally of human judgement; in education, knowledge must be connected with research and solutions; and creativity must be transformed into entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

It is through this integrated vision that Uttarakhand can move forward towards technology, innovation and self-reliance.

My dear friends,

Along with technological progress, it is equally important to remain connected with our knowledge traditions.

India has developed a rich body of knowledge in the fields of language, mathematics, logic and philosophy. Maharishi Panini’s Ashtadhyayi is an extraordinary example of the structure and systematic rules of language.

Today, in the field of language technology and Natural Language Processing, there are immense possibilities for the study of Indian languages, the digital preservation of ancient texts and scientific research.

Our traditions provide us with knowledge and values, while modern science provides us with the tools to test facts and develop new solutions.

I have always said that along with Artificial Intelligence, we must also develop “Absolute Intelligence”—an intelligence rooted in values, discipline, character and conscience.

AI is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is an extension of human capabilities.

Technology can provide information, but verifying its authenticity and ensuring its responsible use is our responsibility.

Deepfakes, misinformation and the misuse of personal data are serious challenges. Therefore, the development and use of AI must take into consideration human dignity, privacy, justice and transparency.

Without values, technology can become a risk; but when guided by human values, the same technology can become a blessing for humanity.

My dear young friends,

In 2047, when India completes one hundred years of Independence, you will be playing a leading role in building a developed India.

I have three appeals to you:

Learn. Build. Serve.

Learn AI. Question it. And use it to find solutions to real-world problems.

Develop technological solutions that are useful for the farmers, soldiers, students and villages of the mountains.

And whatever you build, build it with honesty, responsibility and the larger interests of society in mind.

Willpower, self-discipline and self-restraint are the foundations of success. With these qualities, the youth of Uttarakhand can achieve new heights in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Let us work together to build an Uttarakhand where technology is not confined to large cities; where knowledge reaches remote villages; where our youth find opportunities within their own state; and where science, innovation and human values progress together.

Our objective should not merely be to adopt new technologies, but to use them for public welfare and nation-building.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the AI Theme Room team, Doon University, all the collaborators associated with this programme, Hon’ble Chief Minister Ji, the participants of all three panels and all the distinguished guests for this important initiative.

The Kathopanishad gives us the timeless message:

“Uttishthata Jagrata Prapya Varan Nibodhata.”

That is, “Arise, awake, and gain knowledge by approaching the wise.”

With this inspiration, let us resolve to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the fields of knowledge, innovation and responsible technology.

May the benefits of technology reach the last person in society, and may every effort of ours be inspired by the spirit of:

“Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” — for the welfare and happiness of all.

Vande Mataram!
Jai Hind!