How Did Uttarakhand CM Dhami Honor Freedom Fighters on 79th Independence Day?

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How Did Uttarakhand CM Dhami Honor Freedom Fighters on 79th Independence Day?

Synopsis

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami's 79th Independence Day ceremony honored freedom fighters' families and unveiled significant development initiatives for the state. Key announcements included improvements in education, infrastructure, and welfare, as well as recognition of local heroes in sports and service.

Key Takeaways

  • Honoring freedom fighters and their families.
  • Significant infrastructure and welfare announcements.
  • Recognition of local sports talents.
  • Focus on education and health improvements.
  • Strengthening disaster management initiatives.

Dehradun, Aug 15 (NationPress) On Friday, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unfurled the national flag during the Independence Day ceremony at the Parade Ground in Dehradun, commemorating the 79th Independence Day with immense dignity and pride. This event held particular significance as the Chief Minister paid homage to the families of freedom fighters who played a crucial role in the nation’s liberation, honoring their sacrifice and enduring legacy.

He also took time to explore a photo exhibition that celebrated the history and bravery of these freedom fighters.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Dhami presented the President’s Distinguished Service Medal to Additional Director General of Police Ajay Prakash Anshuman in acknowledgment of his exemplary service. Additionally, numerous police and civil personnel, including Commander Shweta Choubey, Deputy Superintendent Yogesh Chandra, Inspectors Vipin Chandra Pathak and Narendra Singh Bisht, among others, received the Chief Minister’s Commendable Service Medals for their outstanding contributions.

The gathering also recognized local sports talents such as Priya Rana, Manisha Chauhan, and Rahul Sarnaliya, who were honored for their remarkable achievements.

In his speech, Chief Minister Dhami extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the residents of Uttarakhand, unveiling six significant announcements aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure and welfare.

He declared that schools lacking gas cylinders and stoves for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme will receive two gas cylinders and one stove each from the government. To tackle water scarcity, he mentioned that 10 hand pumps will be installed in each assembly constituency experiencing drinking water challenges.

CM Dhami further stated that the honorarium for village chowkidars and guards will see an increase of Rs 1,000.

He also noted that block representatives under the Sainik Welfare Department will enjoy an increased honorarium of Rs 2,000.

Moreover, CM Dhami announced the establishment of special educational centers focused on distance and employment-oriented higher education at the district level, to be coordinated by Uttarakhand Open University.

Additionally, comprehensive studies of the state’s Himalayan glaciers—including the Gangotri glacier—will be regularly conducted, along with fortifying the Disaster Management Department for predictive and proactive disaster response.

CM Dhami solemnly honored the martyrs and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Uttarakhand’s formation and paid tribute to those affected by recent natural disasters, including the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. He commended the swift and brave relief efforts led by the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and state government departments under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reflecting on India’s journey over 78 years of independence, Dhami praised the nation’s unwavering spirit and progress despite numerous challenges.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India is on a rapid path to becoming a fully developed nation by 2047. Today, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy, progressing robustly in defense, science, technology, agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure,” he stated.

He credited the enhancement of the country’s defense capabilities to Operation Sindoor, which showcased India’s might on the global level.

Designating Uttarakhand not merely as “Devbhoomi” but also as “Veerbhoomi,” the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making the state prosperous and self-reliant. With a focus on elevating basic amenities such as education, health, roads, electricity, drinking water, and air connectivity, the state has developed detailed policies across over 30 sectors. Uttarakhand is swiftly emerging as a premier hub for religious tourism, wellness tourism, adventure sports, film shooting, and destination weddings.

Dhami underscored the triumph of the recent Global Investors Summit where Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 3.56 lakh crore were signed, with over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of projects already in progress. Plans are underway to create a smart industrial township spanning more than 1,000 acres at Kichha Khurpiya Farm, alongside launching an incubation center and a Rs 200 crore venture fund to cultivate a startup-friendly ecosystem.

Sporting excellence remains a priority, with Uttarakhand having made history by clinching 103 medals and achieving 7th place in the recent National Games themed “Green Games.”

To build on this momentum, the government will implement the Sports Legacy Plan, establishing 23 sports academies across eight cities. A new yoga policy aims to position the state as the global capital of yoga and spirituality. Complementing this, Spiritual Economic Zones are being developed in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions to promote Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and spiritual tourism.

The Chief Minister also praised the “House of Himalayas” brand, which consolidates the state’s organic products under one umbrella, and the “Home Stay Scheme”, which encourages youth entrepreneurship in rural hospitality. Farmers benefit from interest-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh and up to 80 percent subsidy on farm machinery through the Farm Machinery Bank scheme. A Rs 200 crore provision supports polyhouse construction to enhance agricultural income. New policies focusing on apples, kiwis, millet, and dragon fruit have been launched with a budget of Rs 1,200 crore.

Recognizing tourism’s pivotal role in Uttarakhand’s economy, Dhami outlined a new tourism policy, with ongoing work on sacred circuit projects such as Kedarkhand and Manaskhand Mandirmala, the Yamuna pilgrimage site at Haripur Kalsi, and the Haridwar-Rishikesh corridor. The Sharda Corridor project is also advancing swiftly.

He emphasized the transformative effect of digital governance initiatives like the Apunni Sarkar Portal, e-Cabinet, e-Office, CM Helpline 1905, Anti-Corruption Helpline 1064, and the Digital Uttarakhand App, all contributing to enhanced transparency and efficiency. Under PM Modi’s guidance, key infrastructure projects such as the Delhi-Dehradun Elevated Road, Vande Bharat Express, Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project, Bharatmala and Parvatmala corridors, Amrit Yojana, All Weather Roads, and Udaan Yojana are strengthening connectivity.

On social welfare, Dhami highlighted the state’s achievements in job creation. Following the implementation of one of India’s strictest anti-cheating laws, over 24,000 youth have secured government jobs, and the unemployment rate has plummeted to a historic low of 4.4 percent. The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown by 1.3 times, with a per capita income increase of 11.33 percent. Uttarakhand is leading the charge in the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a first in the nation.

Dedicated to safeguarding Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and demographic character, the government plans to strengthen anti-conversion laws and has reclaimed over 7,000 acres of encroached government land. Operation Kalanemi is underway to combat those maligning Sanatan Dharma.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including former Chief Minister and former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Rajya Sabha MPs Mahendra Bhatt and Naresh Bansal, MLA Khajan Das, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, DGP Deepam Seth, Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal, SSP Ajay Singh, and senior district officials.

Point of View

It is imperative to recognize the significance of commemorating our freedom fighters. This event not only celebrates their legacy but also showcases the government's commitment to progress and development. It is essential to align our efforts with national aspirations while ensuring the welfare of our citizens in Uttarakhand.
NationPress
08/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What initiatives were announced by CM Dhami on Independence Day?
CM Dhami announced several initiatives, including providing gas cylinders and stoves to schools, increasing honorariums for village guards, and establishing educational centers for higher education.
How many medals did Uttarakhand win in the National Games?
Uttarakhand made history by winning 103 medals and securing 7th place in the recent National Games.
What is the significance of Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor highlighted India’s enhanced defense capabilities and demonstrated the nation's strength on the global stage.
How is Uttarakhand improving its tourism sector?
Uttarakhand is implementing a new tourism policy and developing sacred circuit projects to boost religious and spiritual tourism.
What measures are being taken for disaster management in Uttarakhand?
The government is strengthening the Disaster Management Department and conducting regular studies of the state's Himalayan glaciers to enhance disaster response.
Nation Press