Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday, 29 October 2026 paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's enduring contribution to literature at the closing ceremony of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival 2026 in Dehradun. Dhami said Vajpayee had demonstrated that words could become 'powerful instruments of nation-building', invoking the late leader's legacy as a statesman-poet on the final day of the five-day cultural event.

What CM Dhami Said About Vajpayee

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami described the former Prime Minister as a 'true practitioner of words' who was 'blessed with the grace of Goddess Saraswati'. Drawing on Vajpayee's deep association with Uttarakhand — the state was carved out as a separate entity under his leadership — Dhami offered a lyrical tribute: 'He possessed the firmness of the mountains, the depth of the Ganga, and the grandeur of the Himalayas.'

He added that had Vajpayee been alive today, the former Prime Minister would have been 'delighted to witness the realisation of the Lekhak Gaon concept'. The remarks underscored the emotional and political significance the festival holds for the ruling establishment in Uttarakhand, given Vajpayee's pivotal role in the state's formation in 2000.

The Vision Behind Lekhak Gaon

Chief Minister Dhami positioned the Lekhak Gaon initiative as far more than a physical literary township. 'It is not limited to a structure of bricks and mortar. Rather, it symbolises ideas that guide society, shape the future of younger generations, and inspire them to move in the right direction,' he said. He described the space as a 'place for the cultivation of ideas' where 'words take root like seeds and flourish.'

Dhami further stated that in a culturally rich state like Uttarakhand, the Lekhak Gaon is providing a platform for local artists, talents, and literary figures while simultaneously 'establishing the state's presence on the global literary map'.

Scale and Participation

The five-day festival drew representatives from more than 60 countries across various platforms. Scholars, academicians, and cultural practitioners from India and abroad participated in panel discussions and sessions on literature and art. Chief Minister Dhami described the event as a major centre for 'literature, art, and music', positioning Uttarakhand as an emerging hub for global creative exchange.

Significance of the Closing Ceremony

Wrapping up the festival, Dhami struck an aspirational note, saying: 'The concluding session marks not the end of an event but the beginning of a new creative journey that will continue to grow.' He also noted that former Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand have 'always been a source of guidance and blessings', broadening the festival's acknowledgement beyond any single political lineage.

The Lekhak Gaon International Festival is increasingly seen as part of Uttarakhand's broader cultural diplomacy effort, connecting its Himalayan literary traditions with international audiences as the state prepares to grow its presence in global arts circuits.