Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called Uttarakhand the ‘heartbeat of India’s spiritual life.’ He said the state has the potential to become the ‘spiritual capital of the world’ in the coming years.
Addressing the 25th Uttarakhand Foundation Day celebrations in Dehradun, PM Modi said, “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the heartbeat of India’s spiritual life. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jageshwar, and Adi Kailash, these pilgrimage sites reflect our faith. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit these shrines. Their journeys open the path of devotion and energise Uttarakhand’s economy.”
He added, “Uttarakhand’s true identity lies in its spiritual power. If the state resolves, it can become the spiritual capital of the world. We can connect its temples, ashrams, and yoga centres with the Global Centre.”
PM Modi highlighted the Centre’s ‘Vibrant Villages’ initiative. He urged, “Every vibrant village in Uttarakhand should become a small tourism hub. Promote homestays, local cuisine, and culture. Imagine people enjoying ‘Doobke Chudkani’, ‘Raot’, Arsa, or ‘Jhangore ki Kheer’. Such experiences will draw them back to Uttarakhand.”
PM Modi promoted regional festivals such as Harela, Phooldei and Bhitoli.
He said, “By participating, people will remember the experience forever. The state’s fairs, Nanda Devi Mela, Jauljeevi Mela, Uttaraayani Mela, Shravani Mela, and Butter Festival, reflect Uttarakhand’s soul. Initiatives like ‘One District, One Festival’ can put them on the world map.”
PM Modi emphasised the potential of hilly districts for fruit production. “We should turn them into horticulture hubs. Blueberries, kiwis, and medicinal plants are future crops. MSMEs in food processing, handicrafts, and organic products should be empowered,” he said.
He added, “Uttarakhand is emerging as a film and wedding destination. With the new film policy, shooting has become easier. Under ‘Wed in India’, we should develop 5-7 destinations with international-standard facilities. Vocal for Local can boost this vision and support Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Before his address, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth over Rs 930 crore and laid foundations for projects worth over Rs 7,210 crore.
These cover water, irrigation, energy, education, urban development, sports, and skill development.
He also released Rs 62 crore to over 28,000 farmers under the Crop Insurance Scheme.
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