Dehradun, October 29
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday participated in the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival 2026 held at Lekhak Gaon, Thano, Dehradun. On the occasion, he released the magazine “Dharti Ka Swarg Uttarakhand” and the booklet “Devbhoomi Ka Kavya Pushp.”
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Lekhak Gaon symbolizes ideas that guide society and help shape the future while remaining rooted in the present. He said that, apart from providing a platform to local talent, Lekhak Gaon is giving Uttarakhand a distinct identity on the literary map of the country.
Recalling Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said that Vajpayee was a true practitioner of words whose writings reflected the firmness of the mountains and the depth of the Ganga. He added that Vajpayee taught us that words can also become powerful instruments of nation-building.
The Chief Minister said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always been a center of creativity, knowledge, and culture. The ideas that originated from this sacred land have consistently inspired society and propelled it forward. He noted that sages composed numerous great scriptures in Uttarakhand and that the state’s natural beauty has continually inspired writers, poets, and thinkers. Literature, he said, reflects our values and beliefs.
He further stated that writers, poets, and creators played a significant role in giving direction to India’s freedom movement. During the Uttarakhand statehood movement as well, authors and literary figures made valuable contributions. He emphasized that writers and creators are not only architects of words but also thinkers and guides for society.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously working for the preservation of literature and culture. Distinguished litterateurs are being honored through awards such as the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan, and Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants are also being provided for the publication of books in Hindi and various local languages. He added that the government is working to develop Uttarakhand as a major destination for literary tourism.
He informed that two Sahitya Grams (Literary Villages) are being established in the state, where facilities such as residential accommodations for writers, modern libraries, seminar halls, and study centers will be developed. This initiative will create a conducive environment for literary activities, and the government remains committed to enriching Uttarakhand’s literary heritage.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is continuously working towards the revival of its cultural and literary heritage. Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister, the state government is also taking concrete and effective steps to compile, preserve, and restore Uttarakhand’s scattered literary treasures. He added that while pursuing development, the government is equally committed to safeguarding its heritage.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta said that Uttarakhand is witnessing historic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Owing to the efforts of the Central and State Governments, reverse migration in border areas is steadily increasing. Tourist arrivals in Adi Kailash and the Niti-Mana region have also registered a historic rise. He said that destinations which once took five days to reach can now be accessed within a matter of hours.