Dehradun: Uttarakhand is celebrating 25 years of its formation this year, marking the milestone with a series of events under the Silver Jubilee (Rajat Jayanti) celebrations. From November 1 to November 9, the state is hosting multiple programs across Uttarakhand, culminating in the main State Foundation Day event at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, on November 9, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Migrant Uttarakhandi Conference Brings Together Diaspora
On November 5, the second Migrant Uttarakhandi Conference was held at Doon University, Dehradun. The event saw participation from 199 Uttarakhandis living across 11 states of India, including Haryana, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. This conference builds on the success of the first edition held in 2024 and focuses on engaging the state’s diaspora in development planning.
Discussions on Development and Culture
The conference featured multiple sessions covering key topics such as sustainable development planning, circular economy, cultural expressions of Uttarakhand, empowering women through livelihoods in the hills, and public health challenges. The discussions aimed to chart the future course of Uttarakhand’s growth and involve migrants in shaping their home state’s policies and initiatives.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Addresses Diaspora
During the inauguration, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the migrants for preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage, despite living far from their homeland. He called them “true brand ambassadors” of Uttarakhand, highlighting their efforts to keep traditions alive for future generations.
CM Dhami emphasized the significance of this year as the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation, urging migrants to contribute to the development of their ancestral villages. He highlighted that the conference was an opportunity for the diaspora to share suggestions and support Uttarakhand’s progress.
Government Officials and Diaspora Leaders Speak
Rajasthan Chief Secretary Sudhanshu Pant noted that engagement from migrants in the state’s development is vital for Uttarakhand’s growth. Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht emphasized that being away from the state does not diminish one’s connection with Uttarakhand, stressing the importance of staying connected with one’s roots to uphold pride and honor.
Participation Across States
A total of 287 migrants registered for the conference, with 199 attending. The state-wise participation included:
- Chandigarh: 19 registered, 15 attended
- Uttar Pradesh: 36 registered, 25 attended
- Punjab: 44 registered, 32 attended
- Delhi: 81 registered, 50 attended
- Rajasthan: 22 registered, 14 attended
- Tamil Nadu: 1 registered, attended
- Jharkhand: 1 registered, did not attend
- Haryana: 52 registered, 43 attended
- Maharashtra: 20 registered, 9 attended
- Gujarat: 4 registered, all attended
- Madhya Pradesh: 7 registered, 6 attended
Looking Ahead
The Migrant Uttarakhandi Conference serves as a bridge between the state and its diaspora, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and active participation in Uttarakhand’s development journey as the state celebrates its Silver Jubilee year.
