Mumbai, July 7, 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday held an emotional interaction with members of the Uttarakhand diaspora at a convention in Mumbai, describing them as vital partners in the state’s development journey and as the biggest cultural ambassadors of Devbhoomi.
Speaking to Uttarakhand natives settled in India and abroad, Dhami shared his government’s five year development journey, public service commitment and vision for a developed Uttarakhand. He said the emotional bond between the state and its migrant families remains unbroken despite geographical distance.
The chief minister said he felt a special sense of pride and affection while meeting people who continue to keep Uttarakhand’s folk culture, traditions and values alive in India’s financial capital. He noted that through their hard work, discipline and achievements, the diaspora has raised the state’s prestige across the country and the world.
Dhami said the state government has created the Uttarakhand Migrant Council to connect the talent, experience and expertise of non resident Uttarakhandis with the state’s development. He said people from Uttarakhand living in India and overseas are now contributing to areas such as investment, innovation, education, health care, tourism and development planning.
The chief minister also highlighted the diaspora’s role during natural disasters and difficult situations, saying they have repeatedly stepped forward to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. He said 27 expatriate Uttarakhandis have adopted 29 villages in the state, where positive work is being carried out in education, health, employment and rural development. He praised actor Himani Shivpuri’s decision to adopt her ancestral village as an inspiring example of devotion to one’s roots.
Dhami said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and with the blessings of Devbhoomi’s deities, Uttarakhand is moving rapidly toward becoming a developed state. He pointed to schemes such as One District One Product, House of Himalayas, State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Kiwi Mission, homestay promotion, Wed in Uttarakhand, Lakhpati Didi and Solar Self Employment as drivers of the local economy.
He added that the state’s economy and per capita income have both grown steadily, while tourism focused policies have led to a rise in hotels and homestays and encouraged reverse migration. Dhami said the government’s goal is to build an Uttarakhand where the state’s resources and youth contribute to local progress instead of being forced to migrate.
The chief minister urged the diaspora to continue supporting Uttarakhand through knowledge, investment, innovation and social engagement. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the government and the migrant community will help make Uttarakhand the country’s best, most prosperous and self reliant state.
Members of the diaspora warmly welcomed the chief minister and expressed confidence in the state government’s decisions, development path and efforts to create a new identity for Uttarakhand. They also reaffirmed their commitment to contribute to the state’s growth and public welfare in the future.
