Uttrakhand Foundation Day is observed on November 9. It is the day when the region of Uttarakhand became an independent state in India in 2000. Here are a few key points on the day and importance:
Date and Historical Background
Foundation Day: November 9, 2024. This is the 24th anniversary of the state of Uttarakhand as the 27th of India.
Background: The demand for a separate state was fuelled by the apparent neglect of the hilly regions by the Uttar Pradesh government, thereby fueling a long movement for statehood that eventually resulted in the creation of Uttarakhand under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000.
Significance
Cultural Heritage: Uttarakhand is famous for its numerous Hindu places of worship and a good cultural heritage. The state is referred to as Devbhumi or "Land of the Gods." This day is paid as a tribute to the state heritage as well as to its people's strength of spirit.
Celebrations: Cultural events, parades, and cultural exhibitions of traditional music, songs, dances, and local customs mark this day.
Key Themes
Unity and Struggle: The day epitomizes unity and the struggle of people for their rights and better governance.
Promotion of Development: Celebrations also focus on sustainable development, tourism, and the environment that preserves the glory of Uttarakhand.
Message of the Prime Minister
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the importance the decade to come holds for the development of Uttarakhand by citing promises of infrastructure development and ecological conservation. He requested the citizens to keep their cultural heritage and spend in the local economy through tourism.
Here are 11 key facts about this historical event and state, alternatively also famously referred to as Devbhumi, or "Land of the Gods."
1. History
Uttarakhand emerged as the newest and nineteenth state of India on November 9, 2000, following an almost two-decade-long demand for a separate state based on numerous cultural and administrative differences.
2. Name Change
The state was originally renamed Uttaranchal, but it has been colloquially called Uttarakhand since 2007 to denote its cultural heritage and identity.
3. Cultural Importance
Uttarakhand is culturally important as it encompasses numerous cultures of people that live here mainly Garhwali and Kumaoni.
4. Shrines
The state consists of many important shrines for Hinduism: Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) which makes it spiritually important.
5. Natural Outlook
The vistas portrayed here contain awe-inspiring mountain views, dense forest cover, and wild game species. The two sites that come under the UNESCO World Heritage List are the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park.
6. Population Statistics
The last population census undertaken in 2011 estimated the population in Uttarakhand to be around 10 million people. A significant percentage of the population lives in the countryside itself. The gender ratio stands at 963 females per 1000 males.
7. Economic Development
Great improvement has been shown in tourism and connectivity by the state. It has enhanced road and railway infrastructure, which connects it with places of natural beauty. It is going to host about 10 crore visitors in 2024.
8. Climate
Uttarakhand's climate differs, since it is topographically diverse, with subtropical regions at lower elevations and alpine altitudes at higher elevations. Such climate diversity has furthered the scope of wealth in biodiversity and ecosystems.
9. Educational Institutions
There are many other distinguished institutions of higher education and research in the state.
10. Festivals
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is observed by various cultural programs, processions, and debates on issues relating to sustainable development and conservation for the state.
11. Future Outlook
Its achievements in tourism and infrastructural development still have outstanding challenges in sectors like healthcare and education. A full-time capital is perceived but not yet implemented because of continuous migration from rural areas.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is the celebration of the formation of the state but generates further efforts for the development of the state and preservation of its identity.
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