Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami interacted directly with students during the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Vidyarthi Manthan’ programme held at the auditorium of the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University’s Chauras campus in Pauri Garhwal. The discussion was held on the theme ‘My Dream Uttarakhand’.
Students from across the state shared their ideas, suggestions and vision for a developed Uttarakhand with the Chief Minister. Dhami also responded to their questions and discussed issues related to education, employment, migration, healthcare, tourism, environment and skill development.
The Chief Minister said the energy and commitment of students towards building a developed Uttarakhand were encouraging. He said empowering young people to become self-reliant, aware and responsible citizens is among the state government’s priorities.
Dhami said the ideas of young people can play an important role in shaping Uttarakhand’s development. He noted that the students of today would lead Uttarakhand and India in the future.
2.67 Lakh Students Shared Ideas
Dhami said the ‘My Dream Uttarakhand’ campaign had received widespread participation from students across the state. A total of 2,67,744 students submitted essays and ideas under the campaign.
During the interaction, Class 11 student Seema Semwal from Rudraprayag spoke about migration and said she had chosen the subject because she had experienced the issue herself. Dhami explained that migration can be permanent or temporary and said moving outside the state for education and employment is not always negative. However, he acknowledged the difficulties faced by women in the hill regions.
Devprayag student Shreya Semwal spoke about the need to expand employment and opportunities in the hills while remaining connected to one’s roots. Other students also raised issues concerning low agricultural income, public healthcare and trust in government schools and hospitals.
Students Suggest Solutions for Development
Students suggested measures ranging from better healthcare and skill development to tourism and environmental protection. Student Mukesh Kushwaha suggested extending helicopter ambulance services to smaller villages and providing skill development training at the school level.
Students Ishika Negi and Gaurav Bisht shared suggestions on tourism, environmental conservation and the Char Dham Yatra. They emphasised the need to protect Uttarakhand’s natural resources while linking tourism with employment and the local economy.
Dhami said the government was working to provide basic facilities such as electricity and water in villages. He also said more than 500 smart classes are currently operating in the state and referred to instances of reverse migration.
The Chief Minister urged young people to aim not only to seek jobs but also to become job creators. He also called upon them to stay away from drugs and use their energy in a positive direction.
Dhami said the suggestions made by students should be taken seriously in the development process. He added that Uttarakhand’s future would be shaped by the dreams, determination and hard work of its youth.
During the programme, student Aditi Gautam presented a painting to the Chief Minister. Teacher and nodal officer Ankur was honoured for ensuring effective participation, while Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra was recognised for ensuring 100 per cent participation of students from the district in the essay competition.
Dhami encouraged students to turn their dreams into goals, work consistently and contribute to the development of Uttarakhand and the country.
