Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival-2026 at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun. During the event, he released the magazine “Dharati Ka Swarg Uttarakhand” and the booklet “Devbhoomi Ka Kavya Pushp”.
Dhami said Lekhak Gaon represents ideas that can guide society and help shape the future alongside the present. He added that the initiative is giving local talent a new platform and strengthening Uttarakhand’s identity on the literary map.
Focus on Uttarakhand’s literary heritage
The chief minister said Uttarakhand has long been a centre of creativity, knowledge and culture. According to him, ideas emerging from the state have inspired society, while sages in Devbhoomi composed several important texts.
He also said the state’s natural beauty has consistently inspired writers, poets and thinkers. Literature, he added, reflects society’s values and ideas.
Dhami remembered former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as a practitioner of words. He said Vajpayee’s writing combined the firmness of the mountains with the depth of the Ganga, and taught that words could become instruments of nation-building.
The chief minister said writers, poets and creative figures had helped give direction to India’s freedom movement. He also noted their contribution during the Uttarakhand statehood movement, describing authors and creators as thinkers and guides as well as makers of words.
Government support and literary tourism
Dhami said the state government was working continuously to protect literature and culture. He listed the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement awards among the honours being used to recognise outstanding writers from the state.
The government also provides grants for publishing books in Hindi and various local languages, he said. These measures are intended to support literary work and encourage the publication of Uttarakhand’s diverse linguistic and cultural contributions.
Dhami said the state was also working to develop Uttarakhand as a major destination for literary tourism. He said 2 literary villages were being established, with residential facilities for writers, modern libraries, seminar rooms and study spaces.
According to the chief minister, the planned facilities will create a supportive environment for authors and strengthen efforts to enrich Uttarakhand’s literary legacy. The source material does not specify the locations or completion timeline of the 2 proposed villages.
Preservation alongside development
Dhami said the state government was drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to revive India’s cultural and literary heritage. He said Uttarakhand was taking concrete steps to collect, preserve and restore scattered literary works from the state.
He added that development must continue alongside the protection of heritage. The remarks placed the Lekhak Gaon initiative within the government’s broader emphasis on cultural preservation, literary recognition and new platforms for local talent.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta said historic development work was taking place in Uttarakhand under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dhami. He said efforts by the central and state governments were contributing to a continuing increase in reverse migration in border areas.
Former chief minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Prakash Singh, Professor Pradeep Bhardwaj, Professor Rakesh Sundariyal and Dr. Vidushi Nishank were among those present.
Conclusion
The closing ceremony highlighted Uttarakhand’s efforts to promote writers, publish literary work, preserve cultural heritage and develop literary tourism, including through the planned establishment of 2 literary villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the Lekhak Gaon International Festival-2026 closing ceremony held?
It was held at Lekhak Gaon in Thano, Dehradun.
Q. Which publications did Pushkar Singh Dhami release?
He released the magazine “Dharati Ka Swarg Uttarakhand” and the booklet “Devbhoomi Ka Kavya Pushp”.
Q. What facilities are planned in the 2 literary villages?
The planned facilities include residential accommodation for writers, modern libraries, seminar rooms and study spaces.
Q. Which awards were mentioned for Uttarakhand writers?
The awards mentioned were the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement awards.
Q. Does the state provide support for publishing books?
Yes. Dhami said grants are provided for publishing works in Hindi and various local languages.
Q. What broader goal did Dhami link to the literary initiative?
He linked it to preserving and restoring Uttarakhand’s literary heritage while developing the state as a major centre for literary tourism.
