'This Will Be Decade of Uttarakhand': PM Modi Extends Greetings on State's Foundation Day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to people of Uttarakhand on occasion of 25th State Foundation Day on Saturday.

In a video mess shared on X, Prime Minister vowed to fulfil resolution of a 'Viksit Uttarakhand' for a 'Viksit Bharat' in next 25 years.

"Many congratulations to all my family members of state on silver jubilee year of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This dece will be dece of Uttarakhand," PM Modi said in his video mess.

Prime Minister said that central government is committed to development of Uttarakhand.
"Today marks beginning of silver jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand. We w have to start journey of next 25 years for a bright future for state. nation will see our resolution of Viksit Uttarakhand for a Viksit Bharat being fulfilled in se 25 years. central government is leaving stone unturned in ensuring development of state," he said.

Highlighting state's growth in terms of ecomy, PM Modi said, "Uttarakhand secured first place in last year's SDG index. In last 1-2 years, rate of growth of state has increased by more than 1.25 per cent. GST contribution of state has also increased by 14 per cent. aver annual income of state has grown to Rs 2.6 lakh."

PM Modi also highlighted importance of responsible tourism and urged tourists visiting hill-state to prioritise cleanliness.

"I have 4 appeals to make to tourists visiting state. Make cleanliness your priority every time you visit mountains. Pledge to t use single-use plastic. Stay vocal for local. Follow traffic rules of region you visit. Learn and follow rules and regulations of religious places," PM Modi said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami earlier attended 25th Uttarakhand Foundation Day celebrations at Pare Ground in Dehrun. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, Goverr Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), State Secretary Rha Raturi and or dignitaries also graced occasion.

During occasion, Chief Minister conferred Uttarakhand Ratna Awards upon five individuals including CDS Anil Chauhan, folk singer Pritam Bharatwan, Mahesh Kudiyal, Mata Mangala for social service, Hemant Pandey for film and art.

"I congratulate all residents of Uttarakhand on occasion of 25th State Foundation Day. I bow down before all those who have sacrificed ir lives for country. PM Narendra Modi said that third dece of 21st century will be Uttarakhand's dece, and we all will strive to live up to his words," CM Dhami said while speaking to ANI.