Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the grand “Kailash Utsav-2026” at Laxman Singh Mahar Campus in Pithoragarh by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The event witnessed a large gathering of locals, public representatives, officials, and participants from various sectors.
The Chief Minister also announced and laid the foundation stones for 45 development projects worth ₹16520.56 lakh aimed at the overall development of the district.
Cultural Significance of Kailash Utsav 2026
CM Dhami described Kailash Utsav as more than just a cultural event, calling it a reflection of Uttarakhand’s rich folk traditions, spiritual heritage, and border-region identity.
He highlighted that the festival symbolizes a blend of culture, spirituality, and modern thinking, inspired by the sacred association with Lord Shiva and the Kailash region.
The event began with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Har Har Mahadev”, and “Gurna Maiya Ki Jai”, setting a devotional and cultural tone.
Strong Emotional Connect with Pithoragarh
The Chief Minister expressed a deep emotional bond with Pithoragarh, calling it his birthplace and a source of inspiration.
He appreciated the youth participation and praised the organizing committee for providing a platform to showcase talent and creativity among young people.
Pithoragarh as a Hub of Tourism and Spiritual Importance
CM Dhami emphasized that Pithoragarh holds a unique identity due to its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and religious significance.
He noted the growing potential of religious and adventure tourism in the region, especially due to sacred sites like Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
The state government is actively strengthening infrastructure in roads, drinking water, healthcare, electricity, and tourism to boost employment and self-employment opportunities.
Focus on Vibrant Village Development Vision
Under the Prime Minister’s “Vibrant Villages” initiative, the government is prioritizing the holistic development of border villages.
The CM said that strengthening border areas and making them self-reliant is a top priority, with special focus on:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Road connectivity
- Digital infrastructure
- Tourism development
Push for Education, Innovation, and Employment
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand is moving towards becoming a leading state in education, innovation, and employment generation.
Key initiatives include:
- Promotion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Big Data
- Establishment of Science City and Astro Park
- Development of model colleges
- Construction of women’s hostels, IT labs, and examination halls
Major Development Push in Pithoragarh
CM Dhami highlighted that Pithoragarh is a strategically important border district of India.
A major highlight is the upcoming medical college being built at a cost of nearly ₹750 crore, which will strengthen healthcare services and provide quality medical education opportunities for students.
Employment Growth and Government Jobs for Youth
The Chief Minister said that more than 32,000 youths have secured government jobs in the last four and a half years.
He credited the strict anti-copying law implemented by the state government for ensuring transparency in recruitment processes.
He also mentioned landmark decisions such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
Education Reforms and New Policy Measures
CM Dhami announced that all madrasas in the state will need to adopt the curriculum and standards prescribed by the Education Department by July 1.
He stated that strict action will be taken against institutions failing to comply with regulations.
Key Announcements for Students
Several important announcements were made for students, including:
- Introduction of employment-oriented courses in colleges
- Demolition of the old geology building and construction of new academic infrastructure
- Development of an auditorium and improved sports facilities in campuses
₹16520.56 Lakh Worth of 45 Development Projects Inaugurated
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 45 development projects worth ₹16520.56 lakh.
These projects include:
- Road construction
- Drinking water supply schemes
- Expansion of healthcare facilities
- Educational infrastructure development
- Other public welfare projects
He said these initiatives will significantly improve living standards and accelerate development in border regions.
Cultural Performances Highlight Local Heritage
The event also featured vibrant cultural performances by local artists showcasing Uttarakhand’s traditional folk culture.
The Chief Minister appreciated the performances and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting local cultural heritage.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹135 Crore for Development Projects and Welfare Projects
