At ‘Shining Stars of Uttarakhand-2026’, the Chief Minister interacts warmly with young people and answers creators’ questions openly and naturally.
Content creators should take Uttarakhand’s true identity, unique culture and unexplored tourist destinations to the world: Chief Minister.
Social media can become a powerful marketing platform for women’s self-help groups, local artisans and traditional products: Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister shares his perspective on historic laws implemented in Uttarakhand, saying the interests of the state and the welfare of future generations form the basis of major decisions.
Dhami shares the government’s vision for wedding destinations, film shoots, tourism and reverse migration, and welcomes suggestions from young people.
Oct 2026 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said social media content creators could play an important role in taking Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, distinctive cuisine, natural beauty, unexplored tourist destinations and local products to audiences across India and the world. Through the extensive reach of digital platforms and the creative abilities of young people, Uttarakhand’s identity could be taken to new heights globally.
The Chief Minister was interacting with prominent social media influencers from the state at the ‘Shining Stars of Uttarakhand-2026’ programme organised on Saturday at the Mukhyasevak Sadan at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Popular social media influencers, YouTubers, content creators, actors, singers and artists associated with the film and entertainment industry, known in India and abroad for their connection with Uttarakhand, participated in the programme. The Chief Minister met the young people and artists and held a warm interaction with them. He listened to their experiences, answered their questions on various subjects in a straightforward and detailed manner, and encouraged them by appreciating their creativity, achievements and connection with the state.
A special highlight of the programme was the Chief Minister’s natural, lively and energetic interaction with young people. Dhami not only shared information about government schemes and policies but also spoke about his personal experiences, the thinking behind political decisions, Uttarakhand’s development potential and his vision for the future.
He called upon content creators to become active partners in the state’s development journey, saying their reach, creativity and the trust people place in digital platforms could be used to strengthen Uttarakhand’s positive identity.
Content Creators Can Become Brand Ambassadors for Uttarakhand, From Local Products to Unexplored Mountain Destinations
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said content creators had a powerful platform to present Uttarakhand’s distinctive features effectively. Through engaging and fact-based content, the state’s culture, civilisation, customs, folk arts, traditional cuisine, natural beauty, religious sites and the unique characteristics of rural life could be taken to millions of people.
He said Uttarakhand’s tourism potential was not limited to famous destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Numerous natural, religious, cultural and adventure tourism destinations across the state remained insufficiently known to people in India and abroad.
He said digital platforms could help bring places such as the Milam and Pindari glaciers, Chakrata, Mana and Malari, along with many other distinctive destinations, into the spotlight and create new tourism opportunities.
The Chief Minister said an influential video, reel or travel story by a content creator could give a new identity to a village or tourist destination whose potential was still unknown to many people. This could increase tourist arrivals, create employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen the rural economy.
He urged creators to use their creativity to showcase Uttarakhand’s real beauty, the lifestyles of local people, its cultural diversity and the state’s positive achievements. He also stressed the importance of verifying facts while creating content. Creators should avoid circulating misleading or controversial information merely to obtain more views for a short period. Credibility, factual accuracy and audience trust, he said, were the foundations of long-term success.
Dhami said an identity built on a strong foundation gave a person the ability to move forward for a long time. Content creators should therefore maintain their credibility and produce work that contributes positively to society and the state.
Social Media Can Give Women’s Products Access to New Markets; Creators Urged to Promote ‘House of Himalayas’
The Chief Minister specifically referred to products made by women, self-help groups and local artisans in Uttarakhand, saying social media could become an effective means of connecting them with markets.
He said women in the state were producing excellent products despite difficult circumstances. Along with managing family responsibilities and agricultural work, they were making important contributions to economic activities through self-help groups. Many women were becoming self-reliant through their groups and bringing economic change to their villages.
Dhami said the state government was continuously working to promote local products, improve their quality and packaging, and provide them with access to wider markets. Efforts were being made to take Uttarakhand’s local products to national and international markets through the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand. Initiatives such as ‘One District, Two Products’ were also playing an important role in bringing recognition to local specialities.
He urged content creators to feature local products, traditional crafts, handmade items, mountain cuisine and products made by women’s self-help groups in their videos, reels and other digital content.
Presenting the distinctive features of a local product, the hard work of the artisan who makes it and the traditional knowledge associated with it could help create new customers and markets for that product, he said.
The Chief Minister said social media could give wider recognition to the products of local potters, artisans, traditional metal-utensil makers and rural women. This would help increase their incomes, preserve traditional skills and strengthen the local economy.
Interests of the State and Welfare of Future Generations Form Basis of Major Decisions: CM
During the programme, a content creator asked the Chief Minister about his approach when taking important decisions, including the anti-copying law, the Uniform Civil Code and decisions concerning the Madrasa Board, and how he dealt with potential reactions and challenges.
Responding to the question, Pushkar Singh Dhami said the responsibility of a Chief Minister was not towards any particular individual but towards the entire state and its people. Therefore, while considering any important decision, he first assessed how it would benefit the people of Uttarakhand and what impact it might have on future generations over the next 25 to 50 years.
He said that when a decision was intended to improve the state’s future, bring positive change to society and establish a strong system for coming generations, it was necessary to move forward with determination. Public trust and commitment to the interests of the state, he said, provided the strength to take difficult decisions.
Referring to the Uniform Civil Code, the Chief Minister said Uttarakhand had taken a historic initiative in this direction. He explained that extensive public suggestions had been invited during the process of drafting the law, and the views of approximately three lakh people had been collected to prepare the draft. It was subsequently examined and discussed before being given the form of law.
He said strengthening women’s rights and equality was among the important objectives of this initiative.
Regarding the anti-copying law, Dhami said irregularities in competitive examinations and incidents such as question-paper leaks had affected the confidence of hardworking young people. Children from poor and ordinary families prepared for examinations with limited resources, making it the government’s responsibility to protect their hard work and future. The strict anti-copying law was introduced with this objective.
The Chief Minister said efforts to strengthen a transparent recruitment system had resulted in thousands of young people receiving opportunities in government services. He emphasised that young people should have confidence that their hard work, merit and talent would be respected.
He said the government was continuously working on issues relating to law and order, social harmony, cultural heritage and public welfare. The fundamental objective behind major decisions was to protect Uttarakhand’s interests and lead the state towards a safe, well-organised and developed future.
From Reverse Migration to Homestays, CM Discusses Employment and Self-Employment Opportunities in the Hills
A content creator asked the Chief Minister about reverse migration, or the process of people returning to their villages.
Dhami said growing opportunities in tourism, religious travel, local products and self-employment had increased the possibilities for people to earn a livelihood while living in their villages. Referring to efforts related to reverse migration, he cited a figure of approximately 44 per cent.
He said homestays, self-help groups, the sale of local products and various government schemes were helping create employment opportunities in rural areas. The expansion of facilities at tourist destinations was enabling local youth to work as guides, operate taxi services, run eateries and homestays, and pursue other self-employment activities.
He said the economic benefits of tourism had earlier remained limited to certain periods in many areas. However, efforts were being made to sustain tourism-based livelihoods for longer periods by promoting new tourism products, winter tourism and other activities.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand possessed immense natural beauty and tourism potential. Connecting these opportunities with appropriate facilities, better connectivity, local entrepreneurship and effective promotion could help reduce migration challenges and boost economic activity in villages.
He said the government was striving to ensure that people had opportunities to progress in their own areas and strengthen their livelihoods through local resources.
CM Seeks Suggestions from Creators to Give ‘Wedding Destination Uttarakhand’ Global Recognition
A woman content creator referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to organise wedding ceremonies in India and asked about the government’s plans to develop Uttarakhand as a global wedding destination.
Responding to her question, Dhami said Uttarakhand had considerable potential for wedding tourism and the state government was already working in this direction. He said the spiritual and natural surroundings of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand made it particularly attractive for auspicious occasions such as weddings.
Referring to Triyuginarayan, the Chief Minister said the destination held special religious and cultural significance. Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Ramnagar, Mukteshwar and other areas also offered good possibilities for wedding ceremonies. Efforts were being made to develop new wedding destinations and expand related facilities across the state.
He said better hotel facilities, road connectivity, air services and other locally available arrangements would help promote wedding tourism.
The Chief Minister urged content creators to present Uttarakhand’s natural and cultural surroundings as an attractive destination for weddings. He also welcomed their suggestions to make the policy more effective.
CM Interacts with Artists on Film Shoots and the Possibility of a Film City
Artists from Uttarakhand associated with the film industry, including those based in Mumbai, suggested establishing a film city in the state and developing facilities for local film production.
They said Uttarakhand offered natural locations suitable for film shoots. Expanding film-production facilities within the state could provide local talent with opportunities to work in their home state.
Pushkar Singh Dhami listened carefully to the artists and said efforts were being made to advance opportunities related to film shoots and entertainment-industry activities in Uttarakhand. He described their suggestions as important and said the possibilities would be explored.
The Chief Minister said the state’s natural diversity, mountain landscapes, rivers, forests, traditional villages and cultural surroundings offered distinctive opportunities for filmmaking.
An expansion of film and entertainment activities could also generate new employment opportunities for local artists, technicians, young people, hoteliers and other service providers.
Better Connectivity and New Tourist Destinations to Give Uttarakhand Fresh Momentum
Referring to the expansion of road, air and helicopter services in the state, the Chief Minister said promoting tourism required more than simply publicising a destination. Ease of access and the availability of essential facilities for visitors were equally important.
He said efforts were being made to improve access to different parts of the state through better connectivity on the Delhi-Dehradun route, expansion of air services, development initiatives at Pantnagar Airport, and the expansion of helipads and helicopter services in mountainous areas.
Dhami said planned efforts were necessary to give border villages such as Mana greater recognition, develop the tourism potential of areas such as Chakrata and Hanol, and bring new destinations into the spotlight. The government was continuously working to improve basic facilities, access roads and tourism-related arrangements.
He urged content creators to highlight not only these initiatives but also Uttarakhand’s distinctive features that had not yet reached wider audiences. This would diversify tourism in the state and increase economic opportunities for local residents.
CM Shares Experiences from His Life Journey, Gives Youth a Message of Hard Work and Self-Reliance
During the programme, a content creator asked the Chief Minister about his personal journey, his experience of rising from an ordinary rural background to leading the state, and how he maintained his energy despite a busy schedule.
Dhami spoke openly about his life and said he had spent his childhood in an ordinary rural environment. He received his early education in his village and completed further studies at different places. He also gained various experiences while living in a hostel during his student years.
He said the challenges faced in the early stages of life taught people how to deal with circumstances and gave them the confidence to move forward even during difficult times.
Encouraging young people, the Chief Minister said everyone should learn to perform both small and large tasks in life. Cooking, managing daily activities independently, working hard and understanding responsibilities were important qualities for self-reliance.
Referring to his rural experiences, he said he had worked in fields and closely understood various aspects of farming and agricultural activities.
He said hard work, discipline and the ability to learn from difficult circumstances were essential for success in any field. Young people should not consider their backgrounds or limited resources obstacles but should instead turn them into strengths.
Disciplined Lifestyle and Public Trust Are the Sources of Energy
Responding to a question about his busy schedule and how he maintained his energy, Dhami said a disciplined lifestyle was essential for discharging responsibilities effectively. Yoga, meditation, physical activity, balanced nutrition and a regular routine helped keep a person active.
He said time management was important for a Chief Minister who spent the day attending meetings, visiting different areas and working to resolve public grievances.
However, he said his greatest source of energy and inspiration was visiting people, receiving their affection and experiencing their trust.
The Chief Minister said public confidence motivated him to work continuously and serve the state’s development with greater dedication. He also spoke about drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication and active approach to work.
Special Focus on Pilgrims’ Convenience, Safety and Cleanliness in Haridwar Kumbh Arrangements
A young content creator from Haridwar asked the Chief Minister about preparations for the upcoming Kumbh, its arrangements and local employment opportunities.
Dhami said Kumbh was not merely an event but a major religious occasion connected with the faith, devotion and religious traditions of millions of people. The Kumbh held on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar had special spiritual significance. The government was therefore striving to provide devotees with a safe, well-organised and convenient environment.
He said preparations included the development of ghats, traffic management, parking, movement of pilgrims, security, cleanliness and other essential facilities. Dialogue and coordination with saints and other stakeholders were also important, as the success of Kumbh could be ensured only through collective participation and cooperation.
The Chief Minister called upon young people and content creators to present the cultural and spiritual significance of Kumbh positively. He said such events also encouraged tourism, local trade and the services sector.
CM Encourages Positive and Responsible Content Through Warm Interaction with Youth
During the programme, the Chief Minister answered various questions and explained that social media was not merely a means of entertainment or gaining popularity. It was also a powerful tool for connecting society, sharing information, providing a platform to local talent and expanding development opportunities.
He said Uttarakhand’s younger generation was deeply connected with technology and digital platforms. Through their creativity, content creators could present the state’s cultural identity, natural resources, tourism, local entrepreneurship and development stories on national and international platforms.
Encouraging young people, Dhami said their talent and digital reach were important assets for the state. The need was to use these abilities for positive, factual and creative work. This would strengthen Uttarakhand’s identity and deliver direct benefits to local communities.
At the ‘Shining Stars of Uttarakhand-2026’ programme, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also felicitated various content creators. He appreciated their achievements and extended his best wishes for their future.
The programme highlighted new possibilities for dialogue and cooperation between the state’s talent, digital creators and the government.
Prominent personalities present at the programme included renowned singer Pawandeep Rajan, YouTuber Saurav Joshi, Avantika Bhatt, social media influencer Tanu Rawat, RJ Kavya, Priyanka Kandwal and Asha Negi, along with other leading content creators, social media influencers, singers, actors and personalities associated with Uttarakhand’s film industry.
