Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the martyrs of the statehood movement and honored those who contributed to the creation of the state on its 26th Foundation Day, November 9.
Dhami attended the launch ceremony of 'Vikas Pustika-2026' (Development Booklet-2026) held at Gorkha Military Inter College in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, as part of the Foundation Day celebrations.
Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, following a prolonged movement for separate statehood.
Addressing the event, Dhami remembered those who fought for the creation of Uttarakhand, describing the state's formation as a representation of the sacrifices and aspirations of its people. He also paid homage to soldiers who gave their lives defending the country's borders and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's independence.
“I pay tribute to all the martyrs of the state of Uttarakhand and offer my respectful salutations to those who participated in the statehood movement. For us, the creation of Uttarakhand is not merely a date in history; it represents the struggles and sacrifices of our people, and the responsibility to fulfill their unfulfilled dreams. On this occasion, I also pay tribute to our brave martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice while guarding our nation's borders. all the heroes of the freedom struggle—those who fought for our nation's independence and made supreme sacrifices,” the Chief Minister said.
Earlier on the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Uttarakhand's residents, praising the state's rich cultural heritage, rapid progress across various sectors, and spiritual significance, including the Char Dham yatra.
In a post on He added, “My heartfelt wishes to all the residents of the state on Uttarakhand Foundation Day. Our divine land is rich in spiritual consciousness and breathtaking natural beauty. With its picturesque mountain landscapes, sacred rivers and the holy Char Dham, this state also has a distinct identity rooted in its glorious cultural heritage.”