PM Modi Calls Uttarakhand ‘Spiritual Capital of India’

• PM Modi addressed the 25th anniversary celebration of Uttarakhand’s formation in Dehradun.
• Projects worth ₹8,140 crore launched to boost education, health, and tourism.
• PM hailed Uttarakhand’s transformation from a resource-poor state to a thriving economy.
• He envisioned Uttarakhand as the future “Spiritual Capital of the World.”

GG News Bureau
Dehradun, 9th Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Silver Jubilee Celebration marking 25 years of Uttarakhand’s formation, calling it “the defining era of Uttarakhand’s rise and progress.” During the ceremony held in Dehradun, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore.

Extending his greetings to the people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, PM Modi said, “November 9 is a day of pride and emotion for everyone who struggled for this beautiful state.” He paid homage to those who laid down their lives for Uttarakhand’s formation and saluted their contributions.

Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation in 2000 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said that Uttarakhand had evolved from a region with limited resources into a rapidly progressing state. “The budget that once stood at ₹4,000 crore now exceeds ₹1 lakh crore,” he noted, adding that road networks have doubled and air connectivity has expanded exponentially.

Highlighting advancements in education and health, the Prime Minister said the number of engineering colleges in Uttarakhand has increased tenfold, and medical colleges have risen from one to ten. He also lauded the state’s achievements in infrastructure, tourism, power generation, and vaccine coverage, terming Uttarakhand’s growth story as a symbol of inclusive development.

“The days I spent in the mountains of Uttarakhand during my spiritual journeys taught me the strength and determination of its people,” Modi recalled emotionally, reiterating his earlier statement that “this decade belongs to Uttarakhand.”

He launched new initiatives focused on education, health, tourism, and sports and laid the foundation for the Jamrani and Song dam projects, which aim to resolve water issues in Dehradun and Haldwani. “Over ₹8,000 crore will be invested in these projects, generating new employment opportunities,” he said.

PM Modi hailed the state government’s innovative move to provide digital subsidies to apple and kiwi farmers, calling it “a model of modern governance and transparency.” He also commended the RBI and stakeholders for supporting this digital initiative.

Calling Uttarakhand “the heartbeat of India’s spiritual life,” the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of its sacred shrines — Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jageshwar, and Adi Kailash — which he said not only inspire faith but also boost the local economy through tourism.

Modi underscored that improved connectivity remains central to Uttarakhand’s growth, with over ₹2 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects underway, including the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line and the nearly completed Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.

Envisioning Uttarakhand as the “Spiritual Capital of the World,” the Prime Minister urged the development of yoga centers, Ayurveda hubs, and naturopathy institutes in every constituency to attract global wellness tourism. He also proposed the idea of “One District, One Festival” to promote Uttarakhand’s vibrant cultural and folk traditions globally.

Discussing economic development, PM Modi said the government is committed to strengthening MSMEs and promoting fruit-based horticulture and organic farming. He praised the “House of Himalayas” initiative for giving Uttarakhand’s local products a unified identity and enabling global market access through digital platforms.

Commending Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership, the Prime Minister lauded the state government’s bold decisions, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and firm measures on land encroachment and demographic balance.

Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence that Uttarakhand would continue to scale new heights of progress while preserving its cultural heritage and identity. “This is a defining moment in Uttarakhand’s history,” he said. “The coming 25 years will see Devbhoomi shining as a model of development, spirituality, and self-reliance.”

Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Union Minister Ajay Tamta were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.