Uttarakhand Government Takes Major Steps to Preserve Local Literary Heritage

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has declared that the state government is implementing significant measures through the Uttarakhand Language Institute to preserve and compile the fragmented literary works of the region. He highlighted that these ongoing efforts are crucial for maintaining local languages and dialects, ensuring that future generations stay connected to their rich linguistic heritage. Dhami stressed that the literary and cultural heritage passed down from ancestors forms the backbone of identity and civilization, making it a moral obligation to safeguard it.

On September 15, coinciding with Hindi Diwas, Chief Minister Dhami attended the Uttarakhand Long-term Literary Service Awards Ceremony held at the IRDT Auditorium in Dehradun. There, he acknowledged the contributions of writers, poets, and language supporters who traveled from various parts of Uttarakhand and beyond. Honoring the legacy of significant literary figures, he presented the Uttarakhand Long-term Literary Service Award 2025 posthumously to notable personalities such as Shailesh Matiyani, Girish Tiwari "Girda," Sherda Anpadh, and Hira Singh Rana, as well as to living authors Somwari Lal Uniyal and Atul Sharma.

During his speech, Dhami expressed his honor in recognizing esteemed literary figures who have enriched the Hindi literary scene. He conveyed his best wishes to the dedicated writers whose creativity continues to convey cultural and literary values to the youth. Emphasizing that Hindi embodies the soul and that literature reflects society, he pointed out that writers play a vital role as social influencers. The Chief Minister remarked on the importance of literature in guiding societal change and its historical significance during the Indian freedom movement, where poets and creators played pivotal roles.

He paid tribute to the literary icons like Sumitranandan Pant, Mahadevi Verma, and others, who depicted the essence of Uttarakhand's culture and struggles through their works. Dhami also recognized contemporary writers, such as Atul Sharma, Prasoon Joshi, and Uniyal Ji, who continue to carry forward this rich legacy. His commitment to preserving and promoting literature and culture remains steadfast, with initiatives through the Uttarakhand Language Institute aimed at fostering Hindi and other Indian languages. Additionally, awards like the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman and Lifetime Achievement Awards are established to honor literary contributions, along with the organization of creative writing contests.