Dehradun: The hill state of Uttarakhand is celebrating its 25th Foundation Day today with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. On this day in 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, becoming the 27th state of India. From the capital Dehradun to the hill towns of Nainital, Pauri, Almora, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, colourful programs, parades, and cultural performances are being organised. The state government is hosting special events showcasing the traditional dance forms, folk songs, and cuisines of Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is expected to address the main event in Dehradun, highlighting the state’s achievements and the government’s roadmap for sustainable development in the next decade. Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri temples closed, Badrinath to shut soon; Winter worship sites arranged A Journey Born Out of Struggle The roots of Uttarakhand’s statehood movement go back several decades. Residents of the hilly districts of Uttar Pradesh had long demanded a separate administrative region, citing neglect in development and representation. The demand gained momentum in the 1990s, led by student and social organisations. The Khatima and Muzaffarnagar incidents of 1994, which claimed several lives, became turning points in the movement. Their sacrifice intensified the call for a new hill state. Finally, after years of protest and political negotiations, Parliament passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act in August 2000, and on November 9, 2000, Uttaranchal (renamed Uttarakhand in 2007) was officially formed marking a new chapter in India’s federal structure. Significance: A Celebration of Identity and Progress Foundation Day is more than a commemoration it is a celebration of the state’s resilience, culture, and unity. The day honours the countless activists and citizens whose vision shaped the destiny of the Himalayan region. Uttarakhand beggar hides lakhs in coins and notes; How did she do it for 12 years? In the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has emerged as a centre of spiritual tourism, hydropower, education, and adventure sports, while also facing challenges like migration from hill villages and recurring natural calamities. The state government has pledged to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote eco-friendly growth in the coming years. Looking Ahead: The Spirit of the Hills Lives On As Uttarakhand steps into its silver jubilee year, its people take pride in a journey that combines tradition with transformation. From the sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath to the scenic lakes of Nainital, the state continues to symbolise the strength and serenity of the Himalayas a place where nature, culture, and courage coexist in harmony.
