Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually addressed nearly 8 lakh schoolchildren through the ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ programme from his official residence on 5 November 2026. The interaction connected students studying in mountain areas, towns and villages across the state through digital technology.
Dhami extended greetings to students and their families for Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. He spoke about the cultural and social importance of the festivals, saying they strengthen family and community relationships while carrying forward India’s cultural traditions.
During the interaction, the chief minister asked students about their families and Diwali preparations. He said festivals should not be viewed only as occasions for celebration. They also provide an opportunity to promote affection, cooperation and stronger bonds within society.
Cleanliness and local products
Dhami urged students to take special care of cleanliness during Diwali and help their families clean their homes. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat campaign, he said cleanliness should become part of daily life.
He told the children that small efforts by individuals can collectively contribute to a cleaner Uttarakhand and a cleaner India. He also encouraged them to light earthen lamps and choose products made by local potters and artisans.
The chief minister linked this appeal with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. He said giving priority to locally made goods can support artisans’ livelihoods and contribute to the happiness of their families during the festive season.
Safety advice for Diwali
Dhami asked students to remain careful while celebrating. He advised them to stay away from firecrackers and to light lamps and sparklers only under the supervision of elders.
He said the real spirit of a festival lies in keeping oneself safe while also protecting others. The message placed safety alongside celebration as an important part of the Diwali season.
Message on studies and future goals
The chief minister wished students success in their half-yearly examinations. He encouraged them to balance studies with sports, creative activities and learning new skills.
Dhami said hard work, discipline and a continuing desire to learn are necessary for progress in life. He also explained the meaning of ‘Sankalp Without Alternatives’, describing it as moving towards a chosen goal with complete effort, dedication and determination.
He urged students to study well, play, learn new things and use their talent to bring pride to their parents, Uttarakhand and the country. He said children’s talent, hard work and creative thinking would contribute to the development of Uttarakhand and a developed India.
Programme to use AI and digital technology
Dhami said the ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ programme would be made more useful in the future through greater use of AI and digital technology. He said the programme is intended to maintain regular contact with children, encourage their talent and guide them on education, culture, moral values and important aspects of life.
He also referred to an earlier dialogue programme in which more than 2.5 lakh students shared their views and suggestions about Uttarakhand’s development through essays. Dhami said children’s ideas were especially important and that useful suggestions could be considered while preparing future plans and policies.
The programme’s stated purpose is to create continuing engagement between the state’s children and the chief minister. Its virtual format allows students from remote mountain regions as well as urban and rural areas to participate together.
The event was attended by Education Secretary Jyoti Yadav, Director General of Education Akanksha Konde and Joint Director Govind Ram Jaiswal.
Conclusion
The virtual interaction combined Diwali greetings with guidance on cleanliness, safety, local products, education and personal goals. Dhami said the programme would continue developing through AI and digital technology, while students’ useful suggestions may inform future plans and policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many students were addressed by Pushkar Singh Dhami?
Nearly 8 lakh schoolchildren from Uttarakhand participated virtually in the programme.
Q. What was the name of the programme?
The programme was called ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’.
Q. Which festivals did Dhami mention during the interaction?
He extended greetings for Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Q. What safety advice did Dhami give students?
He advised students to stay away from firecrackers and use lamps and sparklers under adult supervision.
Q. What did Dhami say about locally made products?
He encouraged students to use earthen lamps and products made by local potters and artisans.
Q. What activities did Dhami recommend alongside studies?
He encouraged students to take interest in sports, creative activities and learning new things.
Q. How will the programme be developed in the future?
Dhami said it would become more useful through greater use of AI and digital technology.
Q. How many students had earlier shared development suggestions through essays?
More than 2.5 lakh students had shared their views and suggestions through an earlier essay-based dialogue programme.
