PM Modi Makes 9 Key Requests on Uttarakhand’s 24th Foundation Day

Dehradun, November 9, 2024 — In a heartfelt video message on the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 24th foundation day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged both residents and visitors to the state to take responsibility for preserving its cultural heritage and environment. Addressing the people of Uttarakhand, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the number 9, which he said is an auspicious number representing power. On this special day, he made a total of 9 requests—5 for the people of Uttarakhand and 4 for the visitors—emphasizing the collective role in shaping the state’s future.

Five Requests for the People of Uttarakhand

1. Protect Regional Languages: PM Modi emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s rich linguistic diversity. “All your dialects, including Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari, must be safeguarded for future generations,” he said, urging residents to take pride in their mother tongues and pass them on to the youth.
2. Plant a Sapling in Honor of Mother: In line with his environmental advocacy, the Prime Minister requested that each person plant a sapling as a tribute to their mothers. “The environment is our collective mother, and planting trees will help secure the future for generations to come,” he remarked.
3. Ensure Clean Water: PM Modi called on citizens to be more conscious of water conservation. “Uttarakhand is the source of rivers that nourish much of northern India. We must take responsibility for keeping our water resources clean,” he stressed.
4. Connect with Villages: The Prime Minister encouraged urban dwellers to engage with rural communities, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the state. “Let’s strengthen our connection with the villages and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
5. Adorn Homes with Tibari: A call for cultural celebration, PM Modi asked residents to decorate their homes with Tibari, a traditional Uttarakhandi item that symbolizes the state’s unique cultural heritage.

Four Requests for Visitors to Uttarakhand

In his address, the Prime Minister also made several requests for tourists and pilgrims arriving in Uttarakhand, emphasizing the importance of respecting the state’s pristine environment and cultural practices:

1. Minimize Single-Use Plastic: PM Modi urged tourists to avoid using plastic and be mindful of their environmental impact. “Uttarakhand’s beauty lies in its unspoiled landscapes; let’s keep it that way,” he said.
2. Vocalise for Locals: In a bid to boost local businesses, he appealed to visitors to support local products and services. “When you visit Uttarakhand, make sure to ‘vocalize for locals’ by buying handmade goods and supporting local artisans,” he said.
3. Follow Traffic Laws: Given the state’s difficult terrain, PM Modi stressed the importance of road safety, urging visitors to follow traffic rules for their own safety and that of others.
4. Respect Pilgrimage Traditions: With Uttarakhand being home to several sacred pilgrimage sites, PM Modi requested that all visitors respect the local customs and traditions, especially in places like the Char Dham.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Vision

In a concurrent address from Dehradun, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also spoke about the state’s future, particularly focusing on the issue of migration. “The day is not far when migration will be a thing of the past in Uttarakhand,” Dhami said, explaining that his government is working to create job opportunities within the state to prevent the exodus of young people. “We aim to bring economic development to rural areas and provide the youth with the opportunities they deserve right here at home,” he added.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

As Uttarakhand celebrates its 24th foundation day, both Prime Minister Modi’s and Chief Minister Dhami’s messages reflect a shared vision for a sustainable, prosperous future for the state—one that values its cultural heritage, environmental beauty, and economic growth.

With these 9 key requests, the hope is that both residents and visitors alike will play an active role in preserving the legacy of Uttarakhand, ensuring that the state continues to thrive for generations to come.