On the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 25th Foundation Day, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, delivered a significant address to a special two-day session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, highlighting the remarkable progress achieved by the state over the past quarter-century. Her visit, part of a three-day tour to participate in the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, underscored the strides Uttarakhand has made in various fields, with particular emphasis on the empowerment and representation of women.
President Murmu lauded Uttarakhand for appointing Ritu Khanduri Bhushan as the first woman Speaker of the state Assembly in 2022, describing this milestone as an enhancement of the state’s glory. She expressed hope that this development would pave the way for increased participation of women in the Legislative Assembly, encouraging all stakeholders to work towards raising the number of women members. The President paid tribute to the legacy of extraordinary women from the region, including Sushila Baluni, Bachendri Pal, Gaura Devi, Radha Bhatt, and Vandana Katariya, who have been inspirational figures in shaping the state’s history and identity.
President Murmu also extended her congratulations to the Indian women’s cricket team on their first-ever World Cup victory, framing it as a proud moment not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. She emphasized that this achievement sends a powerful message to the world that women are equals, integral to the nation’s progress. Highlighting that women constitute half of India’s 140-crore population, she stressed the importance of their contributions on the path towards a developed India by 2047.
Reflecting on Uttarakhand’s journey since its establishment in November 2000, the President recalled that the state was created during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, fulfilling the aspirations of the local people for better governance and balanced development. Over the past 25 years, the state has attained significant milestones in multiple spheres including environment, energy, tourism, healthcare, and education. She noted notable advancements in both digital and physical connectivity, as well as infrastructure development, which have contributed to the state’s transformation.
In terms of human development indicators, President Murmu pointed out improvements in literacy rates, women’s education, maternal and infant mortality rates, and access to healthcare services. She also highlighted Uttarakhand’s rich martial heritage, symbolized by the Kumaon Regiment and the Garhwal Regiment, and praised the enthusiasm of the youth in serving the Indian Army. This tradition of bravery, she said, is a source of pride for all Indians. Furthermore, she acknowledged the significant role played by public servants from Uttarakhand in strengthening India’s democratic traditions.
The President also congratulated the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for implementing the Uniform Civil Code, underscoring that this step aligns with the vision of the Constitution-makers and serves as a directive principle of the Indian Constitution. She commended the Assembly for passing over 550 bills to date, including notable legislation like the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill, the Uttarakhand Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill, and the Anti-Cheating Bill. These laws, she noted, reflect a commitment to transparency, morality, and social justice, and she appreciated the efforts of both past and present legislators in this regard.
In a symbolically rich gesture, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly, presented President Murmu with a Ramman mask. This mask is traditionally worn by performers in the ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further highlighting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who serves as the Leader of the House, praised President Murmu as a symbol of motherhood’s affection, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to the nation. He paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to realize the dream of a separate state for Uttarakhand, noting the pivotal role played by women and youth in this struggle. Dhami emphasized that the values of sacrifice and dedication demonstrated during the statehood movement should continue to guide the people of Uttarakhand as they move forward.
The Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader, Yashpal Arya, also spoke during the session, highlighting the importance of the slogan “Jal, Jangal, Zameen” (