Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami used a Gorkha Dashain-Diwali festival in Dehradun to outline a development agenda focused on cultural preservation and stronger India-Nepal border links.

Dhami attended the Gorkha Dashain-Diwali Festival and state fair organised by the Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti at Mahindra Ground in Garhi Cantt. He greeted the Gorkha community on Dashain and Diwali and praised its contribution to India’s defence, state formation and development.

The chief minister said Gorkha soldiers are remembered for their bravery, sacrifice and patriotism in protecting the country’s borders. He described the community as a source of pride for Uttarakhand and India.

Focus on Nepali language and cultural identity

Dhami also highlighted steps intended to preserve the Gorkha community’s cultural identity and promote the Nepali language. He said diploma and certificate courses in Nepali are being conducted through Uttarakhand Open University in Haldwani.

He added that an initiative has been taken to bring the Nepali Academy within the framework of the Uttarakhand Language Institute. The stated aim is to help younger generations remain connected with their language, traditions and literary heritage.

The chief minister referred to the community’s traditional motto, “कायर हुनुभन्दा मर्नु राम्रो”, which he explained as meaning that dying bravely is better than living as a coward. He said the phrase reflects the community’s courage and self-respect.

Border infrastructure and trade proposals

Dhami described India and Nepal as having centuries-old cultural and family ties, referring to the relationship as a “roti-beti” bond. He said the government’s priorities for border areas include better roads, bridges and facilities for trade.

The projects and proposals mentioned at the event were:

  • An Integrated Check is being built at Banbasa at a cost of 368.28 crore.
  • A dry port is being planned in the border area of Banbasa.
  • 4-lane connectivity from the Sitarganj-Tanakpur road to the Banbasa border is being developed at a cost of 246.86 crore.
  • A bridge at Chharchhum in Dharchula is planned to improve movement and commercial links between India and Nepal.
  • The proposed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on the Mahakali River is intended to support power generation, irrigation and regional development.

These projects are aimed at improving access to the border and strengthening the infrastructure used by residents, travellers and traders. The speech presented them as part of a wider effort to connect frontier regions with development opportunities.

Women’s welfare measures highlighted

Dhami also cited government measures related to women’s empowerment. He said more than 3 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis, while women have been given 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs.

He described the Uniform Civil Code as an important step towards ensuring equal rights and justice for women. These points formed part of his broader message on inclusive development and social advancement.

Cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj, office-bearers of the Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti, prominent members of the Gorkha community and large numbers of local residents attended the programme.

Conclusion

Dhami’s address combined recognition of the Gorkha community’s contribution with a border-development agenda covering language, roads, bridges, trade infrastructure and the proposed Pancheshwar project. The projects remain at different stages, including construction, planning and proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did Pushkar Singh Dhami speak about the border-development agenda?

He spoke at the Gorkha Dashain-Diwali Festival and state fair at Mahindra Ground in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun.

Q. What is being built at Banbasa?

An Integrated Check is being built at Banbasa at a cost of 368.28 crore.

Q. What other facility is planned at Banbasa?

A dry port is being planned in the Banbasa border area.

Q. What is the cost of the proposed 4-lane connectivity?

4-lane connectivity from the Sitarganj-Tanakpur road to the Banbasa border is being developed at a cost of 246.86 crore.

Q. What is planned at Chharchhum in Dharchula?

A bridge is planned to improve movement and trade links between India and Nepal.

Q. What steps were mentioned for the Nepali language?

Nepali diploma and certificate courses are being conducted through Uttarakhand Open University in Haldwani, and an initiative has been taken to bring the Nepali Academy within the Uttarakhand Language Institute framework.

Q. What did Dhami say about women’s empowerment?

He said more than 3 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis and that women have 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs.