_Chief Minister Dhami calls for preservation of folk culture and heritage at Uttarakhand Kauthig-2026
_Government committed to give global identity to local products, handicrafts and traditional dishes: Chief Minister
_Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, state government is also paying special attention to preservation of heritage along with development.
_More than 3 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become Lakhpati Didis, women power is strong foundation of rural economy.
_Government providing market to local products, getting new identity from ‘One District-Two Products’ and ‘House of Himalayas’.
_Notable 44 percent increase in reverse migration, getting momentum in employment and self-employment opportunities at local level.
_Important role of cultural events in taking folk languages, folk songs, folk dances and traditional traditions to new generation.
_Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in Uttarakhand Kauthig-2026 organized by Akhil Garhwal Sabha, Dehradun at Rangers College Ground, Dehradun. On this occasion, he appreciated the efforts of Akhil Garhwal Sabha for preservation and promotion of the state’s rich folk culture, traditions and cultural heritage.
He said that Uttarakhand’s folk culture is not only our identity, but also our soul. Our folk languages, folk songs, folk dances, traditional attires, fairs and festivals are integral part of our glorious cultural heritage. Preserving these traditions and taking them to future generation is collective responsibility of all of us.Chief Minister said that events like Uttarakhand Kauthig are important medium to keep our rich cultural heritage alive and to connect new generation with its roots, language and traditions.
Such events provide an opportunity to closely know and understand the state’s folk arts, traditional attires, handicrafts, craftsmanship and cuisine. Appreciating the traditional handicrafts, organic products and Uttarakhandi dishes displayed through various stalls at the festival, he said that such efforts play important role in encouraging local products and giving them wider identity.
Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously working for overall development of the state as well as preservation of its cultural and spiritual heritage by imbibing the core mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage).
In line with this thinking, facilities for devotees are being expanded through redevelopment works in Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. At the same time, efforts are also being made to link religious tourism with local economy and employment. He said that under Vibrant Village program, facilities related to road, electricity, telecommunication, tourism and livelihood are being strengthened in border areas, so that overall development of border areas can be ensured.
Chief Minister said that it is the resolve of state government that youth and local citizens of Uttarakhand should not have to go away from their home and village for employment, but they should get sufficient opportunities to progress in their own region. For this purpose, local products, self-employment and entrepreneurship are being promoted. Through initiatives like ‘One District, Two Products’ and ‘House of Himalayas’, Uttarakhand’s local products are being provided better market and wider identity. While, rural economy is being strengthened by encouraging Home-Stay scheme, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, milk production, bee-keeping, aromatic plants and cultivation of local spices.
He said that work is being done to promote tourism activities throughout the year in the state through initiatives like ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’, winter tourism and adventure tourism. This is creating new opportunities of employment and self-employment for local youth, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, home-stay operators and small businessmen. Government is also expanding investment possibilities in areas like AYUSH, wellness, IT and solar energy along with tourism in mountainous regions.Chief Minister said that women power of Uttarakhand is biggest strength of rural economy of state. State government is continuously making efforts to make women economically empowered and self-reliant.
As a result of this, more than 3 lakh women of state have become Lakhpati Didi under ‘Lakhpati Didi’ campaign. Women associated with self-help groups are strengthening their economic condition through local products, hill dishes, handicrafts, agriculture and various small enterprises as well as making significant contribution to rural economy. He said that stalls of local products and traditional hill dishes set up by women self-help groups at Uttarakhand Kauthig are inspirational example of this journey of women empowerment and self-reliance.Chief Minister said that with sustained efforts of state government, Uttarakhand has established its distinct identity in various fields.
State has got place in ‘Leader’ category in States ranking of Startup India. In NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 also Uttarakhand was among top performing states of country and got highest score jointly with Kerala. He said that according to survey report of Migration Prevention Commission, notable increase of 44 percent has been recorded in reverse migration in state. This is indication that opportunities of livelihood and employment at local level are continuously expanding in state.
He said that state’s Single Window System has been honoured in ‘Top Achievers’ category. Uttarakhand has got second place in country in Category-C in State Mining Readiness Index of Government of India. Similarly, state has also got place in ‘Achievers’ category in Logistics Performance. These achievements show commitment of government towards good governance, transparent system, investment-friendly environment and development of basic facilities in state.
Chief Minister said that in this journey of development, its cultural roots and traditions cannot be left behind. Along with modernity and progress, it is necessary to give equal importance to its folk languages, folk arts, traditional attires, customs and cultural heritage. Every section of society, especially youth, has important role in keeping Uttarakhand’s distinct identity intact. Events like Uttarakhand Kauthig are commendable initiatives in this direction, which provide platform to local artists and craftsmen along with taking our cultural heritage to new generation.
Chief Minister expressed confidence that various social and cultural organizations of state including Akhil Garhwal Sabha will continue to contribute in similar way in preservation and promotion of folk culture of Uttarakhand. He said that state government is moving forward with ‘Vikalp Rahit Sankalp’ (resolution without alternative) to include Uttarakhand among best states of country. In achieving this goal, cooperation, participation and blessings of people of state is extremely important.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Khajan Das, office bearers of Akhil Garhwal Sabha, representatives of various social and cultural organizations, public representatives, Shri Narendra Singh Negi and Smt. Sangeeta Dhondiyal including other folk artists, women of self-help groups, senior citizens, youth and large number of local citizens were present.
