Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday connected with nearly eight lakh schoolchildren across the state through the virtual outreach programme ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ (A Heartfelt Conversation with Uncle Dhami), using the interaction to discuss festive traditions, education, personal safety and the importance of pursuing long-term goals.
Speaking from his official residence, Dhami extended festive greetings to students and their families on Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The interaction also covered cleanliness, supporting local artisans, academic discipline and the role of young people in Uttarakhand’s development.
Connecting Students Across Remote Areas
The Chief Minister said the initiative was designed to establish regular communication with schoolchildren, recognise their abilities and provide guidance on education, cultural traditions, moral values and important aspects of life.
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He highlighted how digital technology had enabled students from remote Himalayan villages, towns and other parts of Uttarakhand to participate in the programme simultaneously.
During the interaction, Dhami also spoke informally with children about their families and preparations for Diwali, emphasising the role of festivals in strengthening family and community relationships.
Key Messages From Dhami’s Interaction With Students
The Chief Minister highlighted several themes during the programme:
- Cleanliness and Swachh Bharat: Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Dhami encouraged students to help their families clean their homes and adopt cleanliness as a regular habit.
- Vocal for Local: He urged children to use earthen lamps and purchase products made by local potters and artisans. He said supporting locally manufactured goods would strengthen traditional livelihoods and benefit artisan families.
- Festive Safety: Students were advised to stay away from firecrackers and exercise caution while lighting earthen lamps and sparklers, preferably under adult supervision.
- Education and Extracurricular Activities: Congratulating students ahead of their half-yearly examinations, Dhami encouraged them to balance academics with sports, creative pursuits and learning new skills.
- Discipline and Determination: He urged students to remain focused on their ambitions and not allow challenges or setbacks to discourage them.
More Than 2.5 Lakh Students Shared Ideas on Uttarakhand’s Development
Dhami also referred to an earlier essay-based initiative in which more than 2.5 lakh students participated and shared their vision for the state’s future.
The essay competition, titled ‘Mere Sapno Ka Uttarakhand Kaisa Hoga?’ (What Would the Uttarakhand of My Dreams Look Like?), invited children to present their ideas and suggestions on the state’s development.
The Chief Minister appreciated the students’ participation and said their perspectives could be considered while preparing future development plans and policies.
He emphasised that children should be encouraged to participate in discussions concerning the state’s future, as their creativity and fresh perspectives could contribute to building a developed Uttarakhand and a developed India.
AI and Digital Technology to Strengthen the Initiative
Dhami indicated that the ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ programme would be further developed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies.
The proposed technological integration aims to make the initiative more useful for students by providing access to relevant, informative and inspirational content.
Explaining his guiding motto, ‘Vikalp Rahit Sankalp’ (Unwavering Resolve), the Chief Minister encouraged students to approach their ambitions with commitment, hard work and determination
He said the aspirations, abilities and innovative thinking of young people would be instrumental in shaping Uttarakhand’s future.
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