UK: Safety of All Students, Including Those from the North East, is a Top Priority: CM Dhami

• CM Dhami Interacts with Youth from the North East Under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Initiative
• ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Campaign Strengthens Cultural Unity
• Gender Budget of ₹19,000 Crore Allocated for Women’s Empowerment
  Emphasis Placed on Cultural Similarities Between the North East and Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Today, at the Chief Minister’s residence, youth from the North-Eastern states interacted with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India) campaign. These young individuals have arrived in the state for a three-day tour program, which includes a journey from Dehradun to Uttarkashi. During this interaction, students from various North-Eastern states posed questions to the Chief Minister on several important topics, to which he provided detailed and warm-hearted responses. In response to a question raised by a student from Tripura regarding the comfort and safety of students, the Chief Minister stated that students from across the country and abroad come to Uttarakhand to pursue their education, and ensuring their comfort and safety remains the State Government’s utmost priority.

Responding to a question from a student from Arunachal Pradesh concerning cultural exchange between Uttarakhand and the North-Eastern states, the Chief Minister noted that the geographical and cultural landscapes of both regions share significant similarities, a fact that further reinforces the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ Addressing a question regarding the role of women in Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister highlighted that over 265,000 women in the state have successfully become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning over ₹100,000 annually), and that the State Government has allocated a gender budget of ₹19,000 crore specifically for women’s empowerment. Welcoming all the students from the North-Eastern states to ‘Devbhoomi’ (Land of the Gods)—Uttarakhand—Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his immense joy at being amidst youth hailing from the North-Eastern states—often referred to as the nation’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ (Eight Goddesses of Wealth)—as well as from other Himalayan regions like Ladakh. He remarked that these young individuals have come to Uttarakhand bringing with them the rich cultural heritage and distinct identities of their respective states, thereby contributing to the further enrichment of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister stated that the diverse costumes, languages, traditions, and lifestyles embody the spirit of India’s “Unity in Diversity,” a matter of pride for us all. Highlighting the natural beauty of the Northeastern states, he remarked that the snow-capped peaks of Arunachal Pradesh, the tea gardens of Assam, Manipur’s Loktak Lake, the mountains of Meghalaya, the valleys of Mizoram, the traditions of Nagaland, Sikkim’s Kanchenjunga, the heritage of Tripura, and the Himalayan splendor of Ladakh lend a unique identity to India’s diversity.

The Chief Minister observed that, under the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India) initiative, these young people truly serve as the nation’s authentic brand ambassadors, working to bridge diverse cultures and traditions. He noted that both Uttarakhand and the Northeastern states are endowed with abundant natural resources, and both regions present a magnificent confluence of mountains, rivers, forests, and tribal lifestyles. He added that, much like Uttarakhand, the folk culture in the Northeastern states has been preserved with vibrant vitality. Just as Uttarakhand’s traditional fairs and festivals are celebrated with fervor, festivals observed in the Northeast—such as Bihu, Shad Suk Mynsiem, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and Nongkrem—stand as symbols of cultural richness.

The Chief Minister stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeastern states are today scaling new heights of development. He highlighted that, over the past few years, unprecedented progress has been achieved in the Northeast across the sectors of infrastructure, connectivity, trade, tourism, and digital empowerment. He further pointed out that, over the last 11 years, the central leadership has visited the Northeast more than 800 times; furthermore, by transforming the “Look East” policy into the “Act East” policy, the region has been successfully integrated into the mainstream of national development. Chief Minister Dhami affirmed that the Northeast has witnessed the development of thousands of kilometers of highways, railway lines, airports, gas grids, optical fiber networks, and various mega-projects. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, multi-modal logistics hubs, and projects aimed at boosting international trade represent significant strides in this direction.

The Chief Minister stated that, recognizing the youth as the driving force behind nation-building, the Central Government is providing them with opportunities through initiatives such as Startup India, Skill India, Digital India, Make in India, and the New Education Policy. Substantial investments have been made in the North East in the fields of education and skill development, encompassing the establishment of new schools, medical colleges, institutions, and sports infrastructure. The Chief Minister urged the youth to return to their respective regions after completing their education and skill training to contribute to development, and to drive the nation forward by fostering innovation across various sectors. The Chief Minister appealed to the residents of the state to treat students hailing from the North East with respect and to uphold the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (The Guest is God). He added that the State Government is also operating helplines, conducting sensitization programs, and organizing anti-racism workshops to ensure the safety and security of students from the North East.

The Chief Minister gave an assurance that all students are completely safe in Uttarakhand, emphasizing that this “Devbhoomi” (Land of Gods) belongs to everyone. He stated that should any student encounter any difficulties, they could convey their concerns to the government through the Siddhi Foundation or the Seema Jagran Manch. The Chief Minister remarked that the youth of the North East are instrumental in steering the nation in a new direction…They are playing a leading role, and the Government of Uttarakhand stands ready to extend every possible support to them. He emphasized the need to enhance partnerships in areas such as student exchange, skill training, and organic farming. BJP leader  Colonel (Retd) Ajay Kothiyal was also present at the event.