The entire country is proud of the bravery, valour and patriotism of the Gorkha community: Chief Minister
The Gorkha community is a source of pride not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation: Chief Minister
State government committed to preserving the language, culture and traditions of the Gorkha community: Chief Minister
Expansion of connectivity, trade and infrastructure in border areas is a government priority: Chief Minister
More than 3 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis, giving fresh impetus to women's empowerment: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Gorkha Dashain-Deepawali Festival and State Fair-2026, organised by the Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti at Mahindra Ground, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on Sunday. On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his greetings to members of the Gorkha community on the festivals of Dashain and Deepawali, saying that the event symbolises the community's glorious culture, rich traditions and social unity.
The Chief Minister said the festival of Dashain, through the worship of Goddess Durga, conveys the message of the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, while Deepawali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. Both festivals inspire people to follow the path of truth, justice, good conduct, love and mutual harmony.
He said such cultural events play an important role in preserving the country's heritage while connecting the younger generation with their roots, traditions and social values. The Chief Minister appreciated the office-bearers of the Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti and the entire organising team for hosting the grand event and thanked them for their efforts.
Praising the bravery, courage and patriotism of the Gorkha community, Dhami said its history is filled with glorious accounts of extraordinary valour, sacrifice and dedication. The Gorkha community is a source of pride not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire country. Gorkha soldiers have always demonstrated exceptional courage, loyalty and devotion to duty in safeguarding the nation's borders.
He said the Gorkha community's motto, “Kayar Hunubhanda Marnu Ramro” (It is better to die bravely than to live as a coward), reflects its indomitable courage and sense of self-respect. The spirit of sacrificing everything for the protection of the motherland serves as an inspiration for the entire nation.
The Chief Minister said that besides protecting the country's borders, the Gorkha community has also played a significant role in the formation and development of Uttarakhand. Members of the community have enhanced the state's prestige through their talent, hard work and dedication in various fields, including education, sports, art, literature and social service. Appreciating their contribution to Uttarakhand's progress, he said the community would continue to play an important role in the state's development journey.
Referring to the traditional relationship between India and Nepal, the Chief Minister said ties between the two countries are not limited to geographical boundaries but are rooted in deep cultural, social and family connections. The close relationship between the people of the two nations, often described as roti-beti ka rishta, has existed for centuries.
He said that, being from a border region, he had personally experienced the shared culture, family relationships and mutual warmth between the two countries since childhood.
Dhami said the state government was continuously working towards the overall development of the Gorkha community and the preservation and promotion of its language, art and cultural heritage. With this objective, diploma and certificate courses in the Nepali language are being offered at Uttarakhand Open University in Haldwani.
In addition, an initiative has been taken to bring the Nepali Academy under the ambit of the Uttarakhand Language Institute to promote the Nepali language and literature at the institutional level. The government's aim is to ensure that the younger generation remains connected with its language, literature and cultural identity and takes pride in carrying forward its heritage.
Describing women's empowerment as one of the key priorities of the state government, the Chief Minister said the real progress of families, society and the state depends on the advancement of women. In line with this vision, the state government has implemented 30 per cent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs.
He also said Uttarakhand had become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. This is an important initiative towards ensuring equal rights and justice for women.
The Chief Minister said the Lakhpati Didi campaign was being implemented effectively to make women associated with self-help groups financially self-reliant. He expressed happiness that more than three lakh women in the state had become Lakhpati Didis, strengthening not only their families' financial condition but also making a significant contribution to the state's economy.
Dhami said that alongside strengthening cultural and family ties between India and Nepal, the expansion of infrastructure and transportation facilities in border areas was also a priority for both the Central and state governments.
In this regard, the proposed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on the Mahakali River along the India-Nepal border is extremely important from the perspective of hydropower generation, irrigation and regional development. Work is also underway on the Chharchhum Bridge project in the Dharchula region of Pithoragarh district to improve connectivity and trade links between the border areas of the two countries.
He informed that an Integrated Check Post was being constructed at Banbasa at an estimated cost of Rs 368.28 crore. Efforts are also being made to develop a dry port in the border region to promote trade activities and improve transportation facilities.
Under the Bharatmala Project, four-lane connectivity is being developed along National Highway-9 from the Sitarganj-Tanakpur road to the India-Nepal border at Banbasa, at an estimated cost of Rs 246.86 crore.
The Chief Minister said these projects aim to strengthen road, bridge, trade and transportation infrastructure in border areas while creating new opportunities for employment and economic activity at the local level. Border regions are important not only from the perspective of national security but also as key centres of cultural identity and economic development. Their comprehensive development, therefore, remains a special priority for the government.
Expressing confidence that the cooperation, participation and dedication of the Gorkha community would help Uttarakhand achieve new milestones in development, Dhami said the state government would remain fully committed to the community's dignity, progress and preservation of its cultural heritage.
He called upon everyone to extend their cooperation and participation in fulfilling the government's firm resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country.
Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, prominent members of the Gorkha community, office-bearers and members of the Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti, and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
