[ By Prof. S. S. Dogra ]
On 9 November 2000, as the first rays of sunlight kissed the icy ridges of the Himalayas, a new state was born — Uttarakhand. It was not just a political event; it was a culmination of prayers, protests, sacrifices, and the collective heartbeat of hill dwellers who had long dreamed of dignity and development.
Today, as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee (25 years), Uttarakhand stands tall — a radiant symbol of ecological wisdom, spiritual magnetism, and adventure that touches the sky.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARS
Uttarakhand’s journey in these 25 years has been dynamic. The state has been led by 11 Chief Ministers, whose contributions together shaped its progress:
Nityanand Swami (2000–2001) – BJP
Bhagat Singh Koshyari (2001–2002) – BJP
N. D. Tiwari (2002–2007) – INC
B. C. Khanduri (2007–2009) – BJP
Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ (2009–2011) – BJP
B. C. Khanduri (2011–2012) – BJP
Vijay Bahuguna (2012–2014) – INC
Harish Rawat (2014–2017) – INC
Trivendra Singh Rawat (2017–2021) – BJP
Tirath Singh Rawat (2021) – BJP
Pushkar Singh Dhami (2021–Present) – BJP
Among them, Shri N. D. Tiwari served the longest and laid a solid administrative foundation. During his tenure, the prestigious Uttaranchal Conclave 2003 was held in Mussoorie — organized by UTDB and CII. I was honored to be invited by the government to attend this historic event. Standing amidst visionaries overlooking the mist-wrapped Doon Valley, I felt something shift within me — a bond that would become lifelong.
A PERSONAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HIMALAYAS
My relationship with Uttarakhand began not in 2000, but before its birth. In 1999, destiny led me to the sacred Golu Devta Temple in Ghodakhal, Bhowali. Later, my articles on Kainchi Dham were published in Punjab Kesari. The belief that Golu Devta grants justice where human systems fail touched me deeply.
From Sir George Everest Estate, where clouds descend like soft whispers,
to the holy Ganga’s first roar at Rishikesh and her serenity in Haridwar,
every journey carved permanent memories into my heart.
I was also privileged to cover the Asian Championship at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi — a moment that brought me closer to the courage and discipline of the mountain spirit.
Though I am from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand became my emotional homeland.
WHEN THE CAMERA MET THE MOUNTAINS
23 September 2018 is a date I cherish.
My documentary film “Uttarakhandi Warriors,” based on para-athlete Harish Chaudhary, received an honour at the 4th Dehradun International Film Festival. The teaser was launched earlier at G.B. Pant University.
Receiving the award from
Vivek Vaswani, Surendra Pal, Harak Singh Rawat, and Rajesh Sharma
was not just recognition —
it was a salute to the undying courage of Uttarakhand’s people.
THE MOUNTAINS THAT TAUGHT ME LIFE
Uttarakhand is not just to be seen — it must be felt.
The mountains here teach the most profound lessons:
Nag Tibba trekking — with spirited school students
Gangotri to Gaumukh (2002) — with my wife and two little children
Dodital trek — discovering untouched alpine beauty
1997 expedition with Padma Shri Bachendri Pal
On every trail, the wind carried one message:
“Climb your mountains — inside and outside.”
In 2017, during the Uttarakhand Education Summit & Excellence Awards, my debut book
“Media Can Do Wonders in Students’ Life”
was launched by the Malaysian Ambassador, along with Education Minister Arvind Pandey and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj.
Even in 2019, I covered a Bollywood film shoot near Dehradun — yet again discovering how cinema and nature blend effortlessly here.
THE VALLEY THAT CHANGED ME
In April 2025, I stayed for 16 days in Kanda Village (Champawat district) — a valley untouched by the noise of modernity. There, I transformed a small village library into a Global Library.
Kanda taught me simplicity.
Unmechanized farming.
Silent sunrises.
Smiles that don’t need Wi-Fi.
There, I realized:
Uttarakhand is not a destination.
It is a feeling of belonging.
WHY UTTARAKHAND IS SPECIAL
Devbhoomi — where gods reside and rivers are born
Capital of adventure — trekking, rafting, mountaineering
Biodiversity unparalleled — forests that breathe, wildlife that thrives
A global center for yoga, wellness and spiritual awakening
But more than geography and glory— it is the warmth of its people that defines its soul.
SALUTE TO A QUARTER CENTURY OF COURAGE
A lot has changed in 25 years.
Roads are wider, infrastructure stronger, aspirations higher.
Yet, the essence remains untouched:
“Mountains don’t measure your height.
They measure your courage.”
As Uttarakhand enters its next chapter, I bow to its mountains, its rivers, its serenity, and its people.
Happy Silver Jubilee — Uttarakhand Foundation Day!
Jai Uttarakhand.
Jai Badri Vishal.
Jai Goljyu Maharaj.
— A pilgrim, traveler, filmmaker and lifelong admirer
[Author: Prof. S. S. Dogra – Bureau Chief (Delhi), Himalini Magazine, Nepal & Founder, Creatives World Media Academy]
