Uttarakhand marks 25 years of statehood with grand ‘Devbhoomi Rajat Utsav’ inaugurated by MP Naresh Bansal

Haridwar: Marking the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s formation, the three-day ‘Devbhoomi Rajat Utsav’ began with great enthusiasm at Rodi Belwala Parking Ground, inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal through lamp lighting and conch blowing. Speaking on the occasion, MP Naresh Bansal paid tribute to the sacrifices of the statehood movement activists, stating that the formation of Uttarakhand is the result of their struggle and dedication.

He said it is a matter of pride that the state, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has achieved remarkable progress in just 25 years. Highlighting key achievements, he said Uttarakhand has made significant strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment. The state now has eight medical colleges, all-weather road connectivity, and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is set to boost tourism.

Over 25,000 youth have secured jobs in the past four years, and the state ranks second among Himalayan states in financial management. Naresh Bansal emphasized that Uttarakhand is the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and anti-cheating and land laws, adding that the government is working with zero tolerance against corruption. He said, “Prime Minister Modi has declared that this decade belongs to Uttarakhand,” noting that poverty has reduced by 4% and reverse migration has begun. On the occasion, a digital exhibition showcasing state and central government welfare schemes was inaugurated. Statehood movement activists including Jagd Singh Rawat, Jaswant Singh Bisht, Anju Upreti, Bina Nautiyal, and others were felicitated for their contributions. The event also featured a painting competition with participation from various schools including GPS 41, PBMU Inter College, and Gurukul Kangri.

Among the dignitaries present were Mayor Kiran Jaisal, former cabinet minister Swami Yatishwaranand, BJP district president Ashutosh Sharma, MLA Adesh Chauhan, Municipal Council president Rajiv Sharma, IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop, Garhwal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, DG Information and additional secretary to Chief Minister Banshidhar Tiwari, District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, SSP Pramod Singh Dobal, SP Crime Jitendra Mehra, Minister of State rank Shyamveer Saini, Shobharam Prajapati along with BJP district vice president Luv Sharma, general secretary Hira Singh Bisht, Arvind Kushwaha, city magistrate Kushm Chauhan, sub-district magistrate Jitendra Kumar, district development officer Vedprakash, APD Nalanit Ghildial along with the public and students of various schools were present.