Dehradun: Uttarakhand is set to strengthen its identity as a hub of literature and culture alongside tourism, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announcing plans to develop two ‘Literature Villages’ in the state.
The villages will provide writers and literary figures with facilities such as accommodation, libraries, study centres and spaces for seminars. The initiative is aimed at creating dedicated spaces for literary activities while preserving Uttarakhand’s folk languages and cultural traditions.
Literature Villages to Support Writers
CM Dhami said the government wants Uttarakhand to emerge as a national centre for literature and culture, rather than being known only for tourism.
The proposed Literature Villages are expected to provide an environment where writers and researchers can work, interact and organise literary activities.
The government is also developing cultural infrastructure in Dehradun, including the Himalayan Cultural Centre, art gallery and museum, as part of its wider cultural push.
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Focus on Folk Languages and Traditional Arts
Speaking at a cultural honour ceremony organised on the birth anniversary of renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi, Dhami described Uttarakhand’s folk culture as an important part of the state’s identity.
He highlighted traditional folk forms such as Jagar, Mangal, Khuded and Chopati, along with instruments including dhol, damau, hudka, mashak, turri and bhankora.
The government is supporting artists through several initiatives:
- 275 cultural groups and 226 solo artists have been empanelled.
- Eligible artists associated with traditional instruments receive instruments and costumes annually.
- Monthly pensions for economically weaker elderly artists, writers and literary figures have increased from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.
- Around 180 artists currently benefit from the pension scheme.
- Six-month Guru-Shishya workshops are being organised to connect young people with traditional arts.
More Support for Literature and Artists
Since 2022, 102 writers have received financial aid to publish books. The Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman has honoured 57 literary figures, while the Sahitya Bhushan Award offers ₹5.51 lakh. The new Dirghakalin Sahitya Sevi Samman carries ₹5 lakh. Dhami also stressed preserving folk languages and dialects through community participation.
Narendra Singh Negi’s Songs to Reach Global Readers
The event also saw the third Narendra Singh Negi Culture Award 2026 presented to Arunachal Pradesh-based theatre personality, actor and playwright Tai Tugung, who received a citation, angavastram and ₹2.51 lakh from CM Dhami.
The ceremony also launched ‘Mountain Melodies of Narendra Singh Negi’, an English translation of selected songs by Utkarsh Bhatt. Dhami said the book will help take Uttarakhand’s folk culture and language to global readers.
He also highlighted cultural exchanges among Himalayan states to preserve their shared heritage. The proposed Literature Villages and support for artists and languages are expected to strengthen Uttarakhand’s literary and cultural ecosystem.
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