30-10-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand on the Occasion of the “Yuva Sangam” Programme
A warm welcome to the student representatives, teachers and officials who have travelled from West Bengal to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the land nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and the sacred source of the Ganga and Yamuna.
Dear young friends,
It gives me immense pleasure to be here among all of you at Lok Bhavan today. You have come to Uttarakhand representing the rich cultural traditions and intellectual heritage of West Bengal. Your visit has created a new bridge of warmth and friendship between our two states.
I am confident that this visit to Uttarakhand will not only leave you with cherished memories but will also help you understand India’s cultural diversity and strengthen the spirit of national unity.
Yuva Sangam is not merely a journey; it is an opportunity to know, understand and experience India. It teaches us that our languages may be different, and our attire and traditions may vary, but our national consciousness is one. We are all children of Bharat Mata, and it is our shared responsibility to enhance the glory of our nation.
The spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, strengthens this very idea. When students from one state travel to another, meet its people, and experience their language, cuisine, art and culture, the India they have read about in books becomes a part of their lived experience. Such experiences strengthen the bonds of national unity.
Dear students,
Uttarakhand and West Bengal both have their own distinctive identities. On the one hand, Uttarakhand is blessed with the majestic Himalayan ranges, the sacred lands of Badrinath and Kedarnath, the pristine waters of the Ganga and Yamuna, and rich traditions of folk music and folk dance. On the other hand, West Bengal is an unparalleled repository of literature, art, music, knowledge and cultural consciousness. The natural wealth of the Sundarbans and the religious significance of Gangasagar further enrich its unique identity.
The glorious land of Bengal gave India great personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Maharshi Aurobindo, who enriched India’s spiritual consciousness, literature, freedom struggle and national life.
Swami Vivekananda had a deep spiritual connection with the Himalayas and Uttarakhand. His life inspires us to cultivate self-confidence, serve society and remain dedicated to the nation. Netaji’s indomitable courage and sacrifice for India’s freedom teach us that achieving great goals requires determination and courage. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s literary and creative pursuit reminds us of the importance of sensitivity, humanity and love for nature.
The lives of these great personalities offer us an important lesson: remain rooted in your heritage, reach new heights of knowledge, and make your life meaningful and useful to the nation and society.
My young friends,
You are not merely the future of the nation; you are also a powerful force shaping its present. Today, immense opportunities are emerging for young people in the fields of science, technology, artificial intelligence, research and entrepreneurship. But success does not mean merely securing a good job or achieving personal milestones. True success lies in ensuring that our knowledge and skills benefit society and contribute to finding solutions to the challenges facing our country.
Wherever you may be, make integrity, discipline, hard work and sensitivity the foundation of your life. Ask questions, develop new ideas, learn from failures and continuously strive to realise your dreams. Use your knowledge not only for personal growth but also to address challenges concerning villages, farmers, the environment and disadvantaged sections of society.
Young friends,
We have before us the important goal of building a Viksit Bharat. Your role in achieving this goal will be decisive. The vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat can become a reality only when our youth are not merely knowledgeable, but also possess strong character, a sense of duty and a deep commitment to the nation.
During this journey, I am sure you have experienced Uttarakhand’s enchanting natural beauty, sacred rivers, historical heritage and rich biodiversity from close quarters. The Himalayas are the lifeline of our rivers, forests and countless species of flora and fauna. Let us all resolve to protect this invaluable natural heritage of the Himalayas. Small efforts such as saving every drop of water, planting more trees and avoiding the use of single-use plastic can collectively help secure the future of our planet.
My dear students,
The coordinators, teachers, officials and organising teams of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur have made an important contribution towards the successful organisation of this programme. I congratulate all of them for this commendable effort.
Dear students,
You are cultural ambassadors of your respective state. As you return from Uttarakhand, take with you the warmth of this land, the affection of its people and the lessons you have gained from this journey. Share your experiences of Uttarakhand with your friends and families in West Bengal. May these bonds of friendship and mutual understanding continue to grow in the years ahead. That, indeed, will be the true measure of the success of Yuva Sangam.
In conclusion, I would like to say to all of you: Dream big, keep your thoughts broad and inclusive, and remain firm in your resolve. Respect India’s diversity, learn from one another, and always place the national interest above everything else.
I extend my heartiest & best wishes to all of you for a bright future, success and a safe and memorable journey.
Jai Uttarakhand! Jai Bengal! Vande Mataram!