Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, conveying his greetings to the people of the state on its Foundation Day. The message reviewed Uttarakhand’s 26-year development journey and praised efforts in infrastructure, tourism, border-area development and cultural preservation.

Uttarakhand was established as a separate state on 9 November 2000. In his message, Modi credited former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision and determination with helping bring the state into existence.

He described the anniversary as an occasion to honour the courage, self-respect and continuing progress of Uttarakhand’s people. He also said the state was moving steadily towards fulfilling the aspirations that shaped its creation.

Spiritual and cultural significance

Modi highlighted Uttarakhand’s Himalayan landscape and spiritual importance. He referred to the origins of the Ganga and Yamuna, along with the traditions of Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag and Char Dham, which make the state an important centre of faith in India.

The message also mentioned Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib, Jageshwar Dham and Adi Kailash. These destinations are connected with the faith of millions of pilgrims, according to the message.

The Prime Minister recalled his earlier association with Uttarakhand during organisational work. He referred to time spent in different parts of the state, including meditation in the Kedarnath cave, a spiritual journey to Adi Kailash and memories of the bugyals and local residents.

He said Uttarakhand had the potential to become the spiritual capital of the world. The message stated that the Centre and state governments were working towards that goal.

Roads, rail and pilgrinfrastructure

Under the vision of “Developed Uttarakhand to Developed India”, Modi said connectivity and basic infrastructure had expanded substantially over the past decade.

The Centre has invested more than ₹11 thousand crore in the approximately 890-kilometre Char Dham All-Weather Road project. Work is also progressing on the approximately 125-kilometre Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project.

The 2 projects are expected to make the Char Dham pilgreasier while supporting Uttarakhand’s economic and social development, the message said.

Modi described the reconstruction of Kedarnath as a particularly significant initiative. He said works worth hundreds of crores had been undertaken for the development of the shrine.

At Badrinath, development and beautification works are being carried out under the master plan. These include a riverfront and plaza, with the projects involving approximately ₹500 crore.

Focus on border villages and tourism

The Prime Minister said border villages were not only markers of the country’s boundaries but also symbols of national security and strength. He praised efforts under the Vibrant Villages Programme in Mana, Jadung, Timmer-sain, Niti and Gunji.

The programme is promoting local culture, handicrafts and tourism in these areas. The message also said that improved basic facilities were creating new employment opportunities for residents.

Tourism remains an important part of Uttarakhand’s economy. Modi said visitor numbers had reached new records and that thousands of homestays were creating additional income sources for local families.

The state is also pursuing adventure tourism and 365-day tourism to encourage travel throughout the year. Winter tourism, wedding tourism and sustainable tourism are being promoted alongside these efforts.

According to the message, these initiatives can support the preservation of Uttarakhand’s natural and cultural heritage while giving wider recognition to local art, handicrafts and traditional products.

Support for the upcoming Kumbh

Modi also referred to preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. He said the Centre had provided ₹500 crore in assistance for the preparations and expressed confidence that the event would offer a memorable experience to devotees from India and abroad.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s Foundation Day message combines greetings for Uttarakhand’s citizens with recognition of the state’s development, spiritual heritage, tourism economy and border regions. It highlights road, rail, pilgr, village and Kumbh-related work as part of the state’s continuing progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi write to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami?

He sent greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on the state’s Foundation Day and reviewed its development journey.

Q. When was Uttarakhand established as a separate state?

Uttarakhand became a separate state on 9 November 2000.

Q. What major road project was highlighted in the message?

The message highlighted the approximately 890-kilometre Char Dham All-Weather Road project, which has received more than ₹11 thousand crore in central investment.

Q. Which rail project was mentioned?

The approximately 125-kilometre Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project was mentioned as progressing rapidly.

Q. What is being developed at Badrinath?

Riverfront, plaza and beautification works are being undertaken under the Badrinath master plan, involving approximately ₹500 crore.

Q. Which border villages were mentioned?

Mana, Jadung, Timmer-sain, Niti and Gunji were mentioned in connection with the Vibrant Villages Programme.

Q. What tourism initiatives did the message mention?

The message referred to adventure tourism, 365-day tourism, winter tourism, wedding tourism and sustainable tourism.

Q. How much assistance was mentioned for the Haridwar Kumbh preparations?

The Prime Minister referred to ₹500 crore in assistance from the Centre for preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.