On the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 24th foundation day, the state’s Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd), asked that a resolution be taken to keep the state’s youth away from all kinds of intoxication and drugs.
According to some estimates, the incidence of substance abuse in the state stands anywhere between 35-37 per cent. For a young state, that poses a big problem.
The Governor said that only a drug-free Uttarakhand could ensure a safe environment for a bright future. He also spoke about the nine requests made by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on the occasion.
Earlier today, Modi made five requests from the people of the state, and four from tourists. The former include the preservation of the local dialect so that it percolates to the younger generation, planting saplings in the name of the mother, making efforts towards conserving rivers and canals, and staying connected to the roots so that they can settle down in their native villages post superannuation from service.
Modi also urged people, especially, mountaineers to keep the pristine landforms clean, to be 'Vocal for Local' and spend five per cent of their expenses on local products, strictly obeying traffic rules in the mountains and upholding the dignity of the customs observed in the religious places.
Singh said that the requests of the PM were like nine resolutions for the state and the people should ensure 100 per cent compliance of these resolutions.
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The governor said that the state’s progress was inherent in the progress of agriculture, horticulture, aromatic farming, honey production, homestay, tourism, yoga and the wellness sector. Good work in these areas, he said, would bring prosperity along with employment to the state’s villages. It would also turn the state’s ghost villages into host villages.
The governor also emphasised the use of technology, artificial intelligence and internet services to tackle the remote geographical conditions of the state.