Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday, 9 November 2026, hailed the state's journey over 26 years of statehood at the official Foundation Day celebrations held at the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan complex in Bhararisain, Gairsain, paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the state's formation.

Tributes to the Statehood Movement

Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said, 'Today's occasion gives us an opportunity to remember the struggles and sacrifices of the activists who fought for the formation of Uttarakhand. I offer my heartfelt tributes to all the martyrs of the statehood movement.' He emphasised that the state had travelled a considerable distance despite facing formidable hurdles over the past two and a half decades.

Invoking the spirit of the hill people, Dhami added, 'Giving up is not in the DNA of the people of Uttarakhand. Our mountains have taught us that when our determination is strong, even the biggest obstacles become insignificant.'

Modi's Role in Uttarakhand's Development

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with providing continuous guidance and support to the state over the past decade. 'He has a special attachment to Devbhoomi. Under his leadership and with his support, Uttarakhand is steadily moving towards new heights of development,' Dhami said. The state government, he added, was working with full commitment to ensure comprehensive and inclusive development across all regions.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Push

Dhami highlighted accelerating infrastructure projects as a key pillar of progress. He pointed to the Char Dham All-Weather Road and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway as flagship connectivity initiatives currently being rapidly implemented. 'A strong road network is being developed across every region of the state. New avenues of employment and self-employment are being created for young people,' he said.

Healthcare Access and Ayushman Scheme

Taking aim at previous governments, CM Dhami alleged they had neglected healthcare for Uttarakhand's residents over decades. 'Governments that remained in power for decades did not prioritise the healthcare needs of the people of the state and left them to fend for themselves,' he said. By contrast, he cited the issuance of more than 63 lakh Ayushman cards under the Ayushman scheme as evidence of his administration's commitment to affordable healthcare. The state government, he said, was committed to ensuring every citizen has access to better and more affordable medical treatment.

What Lies Ahead

As Uttarakhand enters its 27th year, the state's development agenda remains centred on completing connectivity corridors, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and generating employment for its youth — particularly those returning from conflict zones or migrating back from cities. With both central and state machinery aligned under the current dispensation, the pace of execution on marquee projects will be the key metric to watch.