NEW DELHI: In a vibrant display of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity, economic aspirations, and development roadmap, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated as the chief guest in Uttarakhand Day celebrations at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The state’s pavilion came alive with colourful ethnic performances, traditional crafts, and exhibitions that highlighted the Himalayan state’s distinctive heritage and growing economic footprint.
The theme for this year’s fair, “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” resonated strongly through the cultural evening hosted at the Natyashala Theatre, where Uttarakhand’s folk artists presented a series of captivating performances representing the diverse cultural landscape of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dhami described the India International Trade Fair as a major global platform that allows states like Uttarakhand to exhibit their cultural richness, traditional crafts, natural beauty, and economic strengths before a wide national and international audience.
“The India International Trade Fair does not merely represent commercial exchange; it serves as a global stage where the identity, artistry, and traditions of states like Uttarakhand find recognition,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the cultural evenings held during the fair showcase the “living heartbeat of Uttarakhand’s folk traditions”, giving audiences a glimpse into the state’s deep cultural roots.
‘One District, One Festival’: A Call to Promote Local Traditions
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Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Pushkar Singh Dhami at IITF
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to promote local culture through the concept of “One District, One Festival,” Dhami said this initiative offers an unprecedented opportunity for Uttarakhand’s traditional festivals, fairs, and cultural expressions to gain visibility at national and global levels.
“Every district of Uttarakhand has a unique cultural identity. Showcasing these traditions as part of a structured cultural calendar will create new avenues for tourism, livelihoods, and cultural preservation,” he noted.
Modern Infrastructure for a Developing Uttarakhand
Emphasising the state’s commitment to transformative development, the Chief Minister said the government is rapidly expanding infrastructure in education, health, road connectivity, sports, drinking water, and aviation.
He cited major ongoing projects including the Delhi–Dehradun Elevated Road, Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Line, All Weather Road, Bharatmala and Parvatmala projects, and the expansion of air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
“Our goal is to make Uttarakhand a leading state in every sector. We are moving with clear intent, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of a Developed India and a Developed Uttarakhand,” he said.
Boosting Local Products and Traditional Livelihoods
The Chief Minister announced that stall charges for local exhibitors at the Uttarakhand Pavilion would be waived for the state’s silver jubilee year—a move welcomed by artisans and entrepreneurs.
He shared that exhibitors at the pavilion had already achieved ₹1 crore in sales and received orders worth ₹2.5 crore, expected to exceed earlier estimates.
He added that initiatives such as ‘One District, Two Products,’ ‘House of Himalayas,’ ‘State Millet Mission,’ ‘Apple Mission,’ ‘New Tourism Policy,’ ‘Home Stay Policy’ and several skill-development programmes have significantly strengthened local livelihoods.
Investment Growth and Industrial Climate
Dhami highlighted the successes of the Global Investors Summit 2023, where Uttarakhand signed MoUs worth ₹3.56 lakh crore, with ₹1 lakh crore already grounded on the ground.
The government has rolled out over 30 industry-friendly policies, including the Startup, MSME, Industrial, and Logistics policies to enhance the business environment.
Preserving Cultural and Demographic Identity
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural and demographic fabric. He detailed strict action against illegal encroachment, enforcement of anti-conversion and anti-riot laws, crackdown on fraudulent institutions through “Operation Kalnemi”, and implementation of one of India’s strongest anti-cheating laws.
“More than 10,000 acres of government land have been freed from illegal encroachment. Over 200 individuals involved in corruption have been jailed. We stand firmly with a policy of zero tolerance,” he said.
Appeal to Support Swadeshi
Calling on citizens to embrace the Prime Minister’s message—“Adopt Swadeshi, Strengthen the Nation”—the Chief Minister encouraged greater use of local products to uplift artisans, craftsmen, and rural entrepreneurs.
A Vision for a Leading Uttarakhand
Dhami concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Uttarakhand one of the best-performing states in the country. “We move forward with the resolve of building a strong and prosperous Uttarakhand. With collective effort, we can turn this vision into reality,” he said.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, senior officials, industry leaders, cultural ambassadors, and hundreds of visitors who gathered to witness Uttarakhand’s vibrant showcase at the trade fair.
Darpita covers business, industry, startups, and economic developments with a focus on Uttarakhand’s emerging markets. She writes on MSME growth, taxation, government policies, and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Known for simplifying complex financial topics, she aims to make business news accessible and relevant to local readers.
Meanwhile our VUK Business Bureau covers economic developments, policy updates, and market trends with clarity and precision. Focused on delivering in-depth analysis of finance, trade, taxation, and entrepreneurship, the bureau provides readers with reliable insights into how business and economic decisions impact everyday life in Uttarakhand and across India.
