Dehradun, August 15
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid homage to martyrs and freedom fighters and extended greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on Independence Day. At the state-level ceremony held at Parade Ground, Dehradun, the event began with the collective singing of the national song Vande Mataram. The Chief Minister then hoisted the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
During the ceremony, families of freedom fighters were honoured and a photo exhibition was inaugurated. Fourteen police officers and personnel received the Chief Minister’s Commendation Service Medal—seven for service and six for distinguished work. Thirteen athletes who performed commendably at national and international levels were also felicitated.
CM Dhami paid tribute to martyrs, freedom fighters, and soldiers guarding India’s borders. He also remembered those who sacrificed their lives for the creation of Uttarakhand. Expressing condolences to families affected by recent natural disasters, he assured that the state government stands firmly with them, prioritizing relief, medical care and rehabilitation.
Highlighting 2026 as a historic year, he noted India entering its 80th year of independence, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas and the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He paid homage to those who endured suffering during Partition.
CM Dhami emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is advancing rapidly in infrastructure, semiconductors, space, defense production, AI, science, startups, sports, yoga and Ayurveda. He reiterated PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
He underlined Uttarakhand’s dual identity as Devbhoomi (land of the gods) and Veerbhoomi (land of the brave). The government is committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families, with initiatives such as the construction of a Military Dham in Dehradun, enhanced ex-gratia amounts (from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh for martyrs’ families, and from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore for Param Vir Chakra awardees), government jobs for dependents, and stamp duty concessions for serving and retired soldiers.
CM Dhami recalled PM Modi’s special bond with Uttarakhand, citing visits to Mana, Adi Kailash, Harshil, and Mukba, and participation in national games. He reaffirmed the state’s goal of building a developed Uttarakhand by 2035, with major projects like the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line, Delhi-Dehradun expressway, ropeways, and dams (Jamarani, Lakhwar, Kishau, Song) underway.
CM Dhami recalled PM Modi’s special bond with Uttarakhand, citing visits to Mana, Adi Kailash, Harshil, and Mukba, and participation in national games. He reaffirmed the state’s goal of building a developed Uttarakhand by 2035, with major projects like the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line, Delhi-Dehradun expressway, ropeways, and dams (Jamarani, Lakhwar, Kishau, Song) underway.
He highlighted reconstruction at Kedarnath and Badrinath, temple corridor projects, and winter pilgrimage initiatives that have boosted tourism. The Char Dham Yatra crossed 4.7 million pilgrims, while the Kanwar Mela saw over 40 million devotees. He expressed confidence that the upcoming Kumbh in Haridwar will set new records.
CM Dhami said Uttarakhand is emerging not only as a religious destination but also for wellness, adventure tourism, film shooting, and weddings. Efforts are being made to strengthen the startup ecosystem with incubation centers and a ₹200 crore venture fund. Local products are being promoted globally through House of Himalayas. Schemes like homestays and solar self-employment are empowering youth.
He announced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, offering free online coaching for competitive exams to talented students of classes 11 and 12 in government schools. In the first phase, 10,000 students will benefit.
CM Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand’s success in hosting the 38th National Games, where athletes won 103 medals. Plans include 23 sports academies in 8 cities, a women’s sports college, and a sports university.
He outlined initiatives in women’s empowerment, farmer welfare, horticulture, science, innovation, and governance. Over 300,000 women have become “Lakhpati Didis” under the scheme, with self-help groups receiving interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh. Farmers are being provided interest-free loans up to ₹3 lakh, subsidies on equipment, and free canal irrigation.
The state has introduced its first Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, with projects like a Science City in Dehradun, innovation centers, labs-on-wheels, and digital libraries.
CM Dhami reported a 7.23% growth in GSDP and a 41% rise in per capita income over the past year. The state budget has crossed ₹1 lakh crore, with over 20,000 new industries established in five years and startups rising from 700 to 1,750. Uttarakhand ranked first in NITI Aayog’s SDG index and achieved high positions in innovation and ease of doing business.
He noted that the state has enacted key laws including Uniform Civil Code, strict land laws, anti-conversion, anti-riot, and anti-cheating laws. Over 34,000 youth have secured government jobs transparently in five years. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build an Uttarakhand where development is balanced with heritage, employment with reduced migration, and modernity with cultural identity.