Chief Minister connects with students virtually from his official residence and extends festive greetings on Diwali and other festivals.
Programme to be further strengthened through AI and digital technology to provide useful and inspiring information to children.
Children’s dreams, talent and innovative thinking will play an important role in building a developed Uttarakhand, says Chief Minister.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday addressed nearly eight lakh schoolchildren across the state through the ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ programme, joining them virtually from his official residence.
Extending greetings to the children on the occasions of Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, the Chief Minister shared an inspiring message highlighting the cultural and social significance of festivals, cleanliness, safety, education and the importance of setting future goals.
Dhami said the objective of the programme was to maintain continuous engagement with schoolchildren, encourage their talents and guide them on important subjects related to education, culture, moral values and life. He noted that modern technology had enabled lakhs of students studying in remote mountainous regions, towns and villages across Uttarakhand to participate in the programme simultaneously.
Interacting warmly with the children, the Chief Minister enquired about their families and asked them about their preparations for Diwali. He said festivals were not merely occasions for celebration but also opportunities to strengthen family and social bonds and carry forward the country's rich cultural traditions.
Festivals such as Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj convey important messages of mutual love, cooperation and the value of family relationships, he added.
The Chief Minister urged children to pay special attention to cleanliness during Diwali and help their families clean their homes. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, he said cleanliness must become a daily habit. Small efforts made by individuals collectively could make a significant contribution towards keeping the state and country clean.
Dhami also encouraged children to light traditional earthen lamps during Diwali and purchase products made by local potters and artisans. Referring to the Prime Minister's call for ‘Vocal for Local’, he said people should give priority to locally manufactured products. This would support the livelihoods of local artisans and contribute to the happiness and prosperity of their families.
Emphasising safety during the festive season, the Chief Minister advised children to stay away from firecrackers and ensure that they light diyas and sparklers only under adult supervision. He said festivals could be truly enjoyed only when people remained safe and took care of the safety of others as well.
Dhami also extended his best wishes to students appearing for their half-yearly examinations. He encouraged them to take an active interest not only in academics but also in sports, creative activities and learning new skills. He said hard work, discipline and a continuous desire to learn were essential for progress in life.
The Chief Minister said the ‘Dil Ki Baat, Uncle Dhami Ke Saath’ programme would be made more useful and engaging in the future with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology.
He recalled that more than 2.5 lakh students had earlier participated in an interactive initiative through essay writing, sharing their ideas and suggestions on the development of Uttarakhand. He said the views and suggestions of children were extremely valuable and that useful inputs received from them would also be considered while formulating future plans and policies.
Explaining the meaning of ‘Vikalp Rahit Sankalp’ (a firm resolve without alternatives), Dhami said it meant pursuing one's chosen goal with complete dedication, hard work and determination. He urged students to remain committed to their objectives, make continuous efforts and face challenges without fear.
Wishing all students a bright future, the Chief Minister encouraged them to study well, participate in sports, learn new things and make their parents, state and country proud through their talents.
He said the abilities, hard work and creative thinking of children would make an important contribution towards building a developed Uttarakhand and a developed India.
Secretary of Education Jyoti Yadav, Director General of Education Akanksha Konde and Joint Director Govind Ram Jaiswal were present on the occasion.
