Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday hoisted the national flag at the Independence Day programme held at the Parade Ground in Dehradun, marking the 79th Independence Day with great solemnity and pride. The event was especially significant as the Chief Minister honoured the families of freedom fighters who contributed to the country’s liberation, paying tribute to their sacrifice and legacy.
He also visited a photo exhibition dedicated to the history and valour of these freedom fighters.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Dhami presented the President’s Distinguished Service Medal to Additional Director General of Police Ajay Prakash Anshuman in recognition of his outstanding service. Furthermore, the Chief Minister’s Commendable Service Medals were awarded to a host of police and civil personnel, including Commander Shweta Choubey, Deputy Superintendent Yogesh Chandra, Inspectors Vipin Chandra Pathak and Narendra Singh Bisht, and many others for their exemplary work.
The event also celebrated local sports talents like Priya Rana, Manisha Chauhan, and Rahul Sarnaliya, who were honoured for their excellent performances.
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand, highlighting six key announcements aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure and welfare.
He announced that schools lacking gas cylinders and stoves for cooking under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme will receive two gas cylinders and one stove each from the government. He further said that to address water scarcity, 10 hand pumps will be installed in each assembly constituency facing drinking water difficulties.
CM Dhami further said that the honorarium for village chowkidars and village guards will be increased by Rs 1,000.
He added that Block representatives working under the Sainik Welfare Department will receive an enhanced honorarium of Rs 2,000.
CM Dhami said that special educational centres focused on distance and employment-oriented higher education will be established at the district level, coordinated by Uttarakhand Open University.
Also, CM dhami announced comprehensive studies of the state’s Himalayan glaciers—including the Gangotri glacier—will be conducted regularly, alongside strengthening the Disaster Management Department for predictive and proactive disaster response.
CM Dhami solemnly remembered the martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives for Uttarakhand’s formation and paid tribute to those affected by recent natural disasters, including the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. He praised the swift and courageous relief efforts led by the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and state government departments under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reflecting on India’s journey over 78 years of independence, Dhami lauded the nation’s unwavering spirit and progress despite challenges.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India is on a rapid path to becoming a fully developed nation by 2047. Today, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy, advancing robustly in defence, science, technology, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure,” he said.
He credited the country’s enhanced defence capabilities to Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated India’s power on the global stage.
Calling Uttarakhand not just “Devbhoomi” but also “Veerbhoomi,” the Chief Minister outlined the government’s commitment to making the state prosperous and self-reliant. With a focus on improving basic amenities such as education, health, roads, electricity, drinking water, and air connectivity, the state has crafted detailed development policies across over 30 sectors. Uttarakhand is rapidly emerging as a premier hub for religious tourism, wellness tourism, adventure sports, film shooting, and destination weddings.
