Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated as the chief guest at the Kumaon Dwar Mahotsav in Haldwani, where he underscored the significance of preserving the state’s folk culture and fostering a connection between younger generations and their cultural heritage. He articulated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Uttarakhand’s identity, creating job opportunities, and ensuring that development benefits all residents across the state.

During his address, Dhami welcomed the attendees and commended the organisers for their efforts in promoting traditional music, dance, and folk arts of Uttarakhand. He remarked that cultural events are vital for transmitting local traditions to the youth. Describing Haldwani as the “gateway to Kumaon,” he noted the city’s importance to the hill communities and its role as a platform for showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.

Dhami highlighted the large turnout at the festival as indicative of the people’s enduring connection to their cultural roots. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Vaidehi Cultural Education and Art Foundation, which aims to introduce young individuals to Uttarakhand’s heritage through folk singing and dancing.

Diversity of Folk Culture and State Identity

The Chief Minister elaborated on the rich diversity of Uttarakhand’s folk culture, asserting that its songs and dances encapsulate aspects of mountain life, natural surroundings, seasonal changes, local beliefs, and historical narratives. He mentioned traditional dance forms such as Chholiya, Jhora, Chanchari, and Barda Nati, alongside folk singing styles including Beda, Mangal, and Chaiti songs.

Additionally, he referred to traditional musical instruments like the dhol, damau, turri, bhankora, and ransingha, noting that their sounds reflect the region’s lifestyle and cultural practices. Dhami acknowledged that digital technology and social media have facilitated the outreach of Uttarakhand’s folk music, enabling it to reach audiences beyond the state and even internationally. He welcomed the increasing interest among the youth in traditional music.

On the topic of state identity, Dhami expressed discontent with remarks that label people from Uttarakhand as infiltrators, voicing concerns regarding the dignity and self-respect of the state’s residents. He reaffirmed that protecting the cultural identity of Devbhoomi is a priority for the government, citing measures such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and stricter laws against illegal activities.

Government Initiatives for Youth and Public Welfare

Dhami mentioned that the government is also dedicated to securing the future of young people through transparent recruitment processes. He referred to the state’s anti-copying law, which aims to combat examination malpractice, stating that over 35,000 young individuals have obtained government jobs through fair selection processes in the past five years. He recalled the Rampratap Tiraha firing incident during the Uttarakhand statehood movement, emphasising the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those involved.

He stressed that public statements regarding the people of Uttarakhand should consider this historical context and respect their self-esteem. In reference to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Dhami called for political statements concerning national security to be made responsibly, without reducing them to mere political exchanges.

Regarding the Ankita Bhandari case, the Chief Minister stated that ensuring justice for the young woman is a serious obligation. He urged that discussions should remain centred on the judicial process, facts, and evidence, while also warning against using sensitive cases for political advantage or making unfounded allegations.

Dhami concluded by reiterating the government’s broader objective of extending development to all citizens, providing opportunities for the youth, and supporting the empowerment of women and girls. He expressed confidence that public participation would facilitate progress in development, cultural preservation, and public welfare in Uttarakhand.

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