On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the “Uttarakhand Long-Term Literary Service Award Ceremony” at IRDT Auditorium, Dehradun. Addressing writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts from across the country, he emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich literary traditions.
During the event, eminent writers Shailesh Matiyani, Girish Tiwari ‘Girda’, Sherda Anpadh, and Hira Singh Rana were posthumously conferred the “Uttarakhand Long-Term Literary Service Award 2025.” Additionally, Somwari Lal Uniyal and Atul Sharma were also honored with the same award.
The Chief Minister said it was his privilege to honor those who enriched Hindi and Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. He praised writers who continue to pass on literary and cultural values to future generations through their creative contributions.
Dhami highlighted that the Uttarakhand Language Institute is working to preserve, compile, and restore scattered literary works, while also safeguarding regional languages and dialects. Remembering stalwarts like Sumitranandan Pant, Mahadevi Verma, Shivani, Shailesh Matiyani, Girda, Sherda Anpadh, and Hira Singh Rana, he said their works reflect the struggles, culture, and spirit of Uttarakhand.
The CM announced that under the “Long-Term Literary Service Award,” writers will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. He also revealed plans to establish two “Sahitya Grams” equipped with modern facilities to promote Uttarakhand as a hub of literary tourism.
He further added that creative writing competitions are being held from school to university levels, benefitting over 100 young writers. In the past two years, the government has provided publication grants to 62 writers, and this year, a special budget of Rs 25 lakh has been allocated to support book publishing.
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, MLA Khajan Das, Secretary Neeraj Khairwal, Language Institute Director Jaswinder Kaur, along with prominent academicians, writers, students, and cultural enthusiasts.
