Tanakpur (Uttarakhand) [India], October 16 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday participated in the "Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav" organised at Chhinigoth, Tanakpur, highlighting the confidence, entrepreneurship, and traditional skills of women.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister expressed happiness at witnessing the enthusiasm of women and young girls. He said, "The dream of a 'Developed Uttarakhand' will be fulfilled only through the active participation of women. The state government is not just supporting women, but is committed to empowering them and making them self-reliant."
The Chief Minister visited various live stalls at the festival, personally observing the hard work and skills of women. He not only viewed the exhibits but also actively engaged in their activities to encourage them.
At one stall, he joined women in the traditional process of making buttermilk. He remarked that traditional foods are linked to both our culture and health, and there is a need to connect them with modern markets.
At the stall of women engaged in electrical work, the Chief Minister assisted in soldering Diwali lights, giving practical meaning to the spirit of "Local for Vocal." He said, "Women are no longer just consumers, but are becoming producers and entrepreneurs -- this is the real face of a self-reliant India." He urged people to purchase more products made by women this Diwali.
Appreciating agriculture-based activities, the Chief Minister also joined women in husking paddy using a traditional mortar and pestle. He emphasised that traditional farming practices and handmade foods are now directly contributing to health, tourism, and the rural economy, calling women the backbone of this transformation.
During the event, he tasted local delicacies and highly praised the products prepared by women's groups. He announced that, in the coming days, such festivals would be organised in every district to provide better market linkages for women's products.
The Chief Minister distributed 'Mahalaxmi Kits' to beneficiary women under the Women and Child Development Department. He then fed children with his own hands and interacted with them warmly, stating, "A healthy and educated child is the foundation of a strong society." He appreciated Anganwadi workers and helpers, calling them the strongest link in implementing nutrition and early education at the grassroots level.
At the stall run by women in the iron craft sector, Chief Minister Dhami personally operated the spinning wheel, heated the furnace, and took part in the process of making iron products. He said that this sector too can become a symbol of women's technical expertise and self-reliance.
He affirmed that the state government is providing every possible financial, technical, and marketing support to women's groups in collective enterprises, product manufacturing, transport services, and handicraft sectors.
"With the empowerment of women, the state will be empowered. When our sisters become self-reliant, only then will Uttarakhand become self-reliant," he said.
Quoting, "Nari tu shakti hai, nari tu srishti ki muskaan hai; jab nari sashakt hogi, tabhi Uttarakhand samriddh hoga," he extended advance greetings for Diwali, adding, "Women are embodiments of Goddess Lakshmi -- their empowerment strengthens the family, society, and the nation."
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra "Nari Tu Narayani," he said that the Central and State governments are continuously working for the welfare of women. Schemes like Ujjwala, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam have significantly empowered women.
He highlighted that nearly 70,000 self-help groups in the state have connected over 5 lakh women with self-employment, among whom 1.65 lakh have become "Lakhpati Didis."
The Chief Minister noted that the government has implemented 30% reservation for women in government services and has protected women's rights through the historic implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
He reiterated that the state government is fully dedicated to the dignity, safety, and self-reliance of youth, mothers, and sisters. He called upon all women to turn the mantra of "Local for Vocal" into a mass movement and contribute actively to building a self-reliant Uttarakhand.