30-11-2025:Hon’ble Governor’s Address at the Concluding Session of the World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025

Jai Hind!

Distinguished delegates, scientists, technologists, researchers, defense personnel, members of the international community, and all present here from India and across the world—

It is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome all of you to this Summit.

At the very outset, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Uttarakhand, UCOST, the Himalayan Academy of Science and Technology, NDMA, and all partner institutions for envisioning and successfully organizing this grand Summit.

In my view, WSDM is not merely an event—it is a movement. It is a collective commitment that if we truly seek safety, dignity, and resilience in the future, then humanity must act together. For disasters do not challenge one country or one region alone—they are a common concern of all humankind.

I am delighted that this Summit brought together experts from diverse fields—geoscience, climate change, biodiversity, disaster management, glaciology, culture, society, and policy research. This diversity is the true strength of this gathering. When scientific facts, traditional wisdom, and policy foresight converge on a single platform—only then do lasting solutions emerge.

The Himalaya, though geographically within India, determines the fate of South Asia—and indeed, the world. The Ambassadorial Roundtable, the Virtual International Cooperation Dialogue, and the presence of delegates from all continents prove that we are moving towards a global order where the fight against climate change will be a collective endeavor.

Uttarakhand is a sacred land where nature and culture blend seamlessly to guide humanity toward balance. The ancient Indian philosophy has always proclaimed:
“Mata Bhumih Putro’ham Prithivyah” — The Earth is our mother and we are her children.

This is not just philosophy—it is the very first lesson of disaster management. If we consider Earth as Mother, we will not exploit but utilize her resources responsibly, conserve them, and pursue development in balance with nature.

India’s Sanatan culture never aimed to conquer nature; it teaches us to walk with nature, live with nature, and maintain harmony with nature. That is why we worship the five cosmic elements—earth, water, fire, air, and sky.

Today, as humanity confronts the grave challenges of climate change, this ancient wisdom becomes even more relevant. What modern disaster science calls “mitigation and preparedness” was taught to us thousands of years ago by our culture.

This Summit, held in the lap of the Himalaya, holds special significance. Every peak, every river, every valley here reminds us that nature is immensely generous—and equally sensitive.

We now know that the Himalaya is warming much faster than the global average. Science alerts us that the stretch between Tanakpur and Dehradun—about 250 kilometres—continues to accumulate tectonic stress. This is a warning that must guide every plan and policy decision.

In this context, hosting the World Summit on Disaster Management in Dehradun is essential. It is global recognition that the Himalaya is both a foundation and a guide for climate resilience.

Dear Friends,

In recent years, Uttarakhand has suffered several severe disasters. The 2013 Kedarnath tragedy remains a permanent scar and warning in our hearts. The Chamoli glacier burst, cloudbursts in Uttarkashi and Tehri, landslides in Pithoragarh and Raini, and the growing forest fires—all continue to challenge Himalayan life systems.

The Silkyara Tunnel disaster of 12 November 2023, where the collective strength of state and nation united to save human lives, proved that disaster management is not only a test of technology—but of human sensitivity and strong willpower.

The unfortunate events in Dharali and Tharali this year remind us that the fragile ecosystems of the mountains are under tremendous stress and can turn dangerous at any moment. The risks of GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood), prolonged heatwaves, abnormal rainfall, and geological instability—all indicate that nature does not tolerate imbalance. We must act in time to restore and protect that balance.

For too long, humanity focused disaster management only after disaster struck. But mountains demand a different paradigm—where resilience comes before the disaster, not relief after it.

The future of Uttarakhand, and all mountain regions, depends on how well we prioritize risk reduction over reaction, early warning over post-disaster assessment, nature-based safety over engineering-heavy solutions, community strength over external rescue, and prevention over cure. True resilience means a disaster does not become a tragedy.

“International cooperation for community building” is not just a modern need—it is an extension of the ancient Indian ethos Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji presented this to the world at G-20 as—
“One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
This is not merely a slogan—it is a way of life in Sanatan Dharma.

During the Covid pandemic, India upheld this very spirit by supplying vaccines, medicines, and medical aid to more than 150 countries. We showed the world that in times of crisis, boundaries do not matter—only humanity does.

In this rapidly changing climate era, the biggest challenge is balancing ecology and economy. We want development, jobs, and better lives—but it is possible without reckless exploitation of natural resources.

Sustainable development means placing no burden beyond nature’s capacity. In mountain regions, environmental sensitivity must be the top priority during infrastructure development. India is emerging as a global example of balanced development.

The 5E framework of this Summit—Engage, Educate, Enable, Empower, Excel—is not merely a policy vision; it is a roadmap for the future. If we connect communities, educate them, provide resources, build capacities, and inspire excellence—future generations will be safer and more secure.

I urge the global experts present here to work together toward a coordinated and comprehensive model for mountain disaster management—for cloudbursts, landslides, earthquakes, glacier bursts, and sudden floods—one that may guide all Himalayan and mountain states worldwide.

After this three-day journey of knowledge and understanding, it is clear that disaster management is not just a response system—it is a continuous process. It requires synergy of scientific research, community participation, political will, technological innovation, and global cooperation.

As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has said—
“Every disaster carries an opportunity—if we are willing to learn.”
We must treat every crisis as a lesson. Climate change appears a great challenge today—but if we adopt a proactive approach, it can become the foundation of a new era of global cooperation.

I am confident that the ideas and conclusions of this Summit will guide not only Uttarakhand but all Himalayan states, South Asia, and mountain regions across the world. Our declaration here today shall represent the collective resolve for Himalayan safety, climate preparedness, community engagement, and global partnership.

At this concluding session, let me say—
The Himalaya teaches us that true greatness lies in stability, balance, and patience. Disaster management is the science of these very virtues. It not only safeguards life—it nurtures compassion. It builds a future where humanity and nature thrive together.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is advancing into the Amrit Kaal—the era in which the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 shall be realized. The Himalaya has a decisive role in this journey—and you, the Amrit Generation, are its guiding force. As Modi ji says,
“Big goals and big dreams lead to big achievements.”
This message becomes even more significant when we speak of the Himalaya.

Let us take a collective pledge—
To connect science with culture, technology with tradition, development with the environment, and the world with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—as we build a secure, sensitive, and sustainable future.

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,
Sarve Santu Niramayah,
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu
Ma Kaschid Dukhbhag Bhavet.”
May all be happy, may all be healthy,
May all witness goodness,
May none ever suffer.

With prayers for world peace and the welfare of all beings, I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Jai Hind!