Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released a new book on the state’s political history at a special event held at his official residence in Dehradun. The book, titled “Uttarakhand Rajya ka Naveen Rajnitik Itihaas” (Recent Political History of Uttarakhand State), has been written by senior journalist and author Jai Singh Rawat. The chief minister said the book serves as an important record of how the state has grown and changed since it came into existence.
The book focuses on the political, administrative and institutional developments that shaped Uttarakhand after statehood. It covers a 25-year period and is divided into five detailed sections. The author uses government records, press reports and other documents to explain how the state moved through different phases of stability and instability, and how these phases influenced governance and development.
The event was attended by former chief ministers Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Harish Rawat, along with legislators, journalists, writers and many guests. Dhami said the book is well-researched and gives a clear picture of the political journey that Uttarakhand has experienced since becoming a separate state. He said such documentation is very important for understanding how decisions, challenges and leadership choices have shaped the state.
Dhami also noted that this book will be especially useful for researchers, students and candidates preparing for competitive exams. According to him, it presents facts with honesty and provides a balanced review of the state’s political landscape. He added that writing history is a serious responsibility because it requires accuracy, perspective and integrity.
During the event, the chief minister spoke strongly about the growing dependence on technology and the need to protect traditional learning habits. He said that although the internet provides information instantly, the importance of books will never fade. Books, he explained, offer deep thinking, long-term learning and careful preservation of knowledge. They help readers slow down, reflect and understand things more deeply compared to fast online browsing.
Dhami suggested that society should bring small but meaningful changes in everyday habits. One such change, he said, is to gift books instead of flower bouquets at functions and ceremonies. He introduced the idea with a simple message: “Buke nahi, book dijiye” (Give a book, not a bouquet). According to him, this small practice can increase interest in reading and encourage appreciation for authors and literature.
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He also connected the value of books with the preservation of Uttarakhand’s regional languages. Dhami reminded the audience that languages like Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari are more than just means of communication. They carry cultural identity, traditions and the collective memory of the people who speak them. He said that even though artificial intelligence and digital technologies are becoming more advanced, they cannot replace the emotional, cultural and historical value of books and traditional languages.
Dhami pointed out that language, culture and customs form the foundation of identity. Losing them would mean losing a part of one’s heritage. He said the government is taking steps to support the creation of content in regional languages. This includes contests, recognition, and encouragement for young writers, students and content creators who produce songs, poems, stories, research or online material in Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jaunsari and other local tongues.
He urged families and schools to use regional languages more often in daily conversations so that children stay connected to their cultural roots. He explained that when a child understands their own heritage, it increases their confidence and helps them grow with a strong sense of identity. Speaking and learning local languages at home and within communities is an important way to pass on cultural values to the younger generation.
Dhami also shared that the government is working on digitising old documents, literature and oral traditions in regional languages. By converting this material into digital form, more people will be able to access it easily through online platforms. This will not only protect the linguistic heritage of the region but also make it relevant for modern modes of learning. According to him, young people today prefer digital formats, so making cultural content available online ensures that they remain connected to their roots in a way that fits their lifestyle.
The event concluded with remarks from prominent members of the literary and media community. Many speakers highlighted the importance of documenting the state’s political changes so that future generations understand how Uttarakhand developed over the years. They also stressed the need for continuous efforts to preserve literature, folk traditions and local knowledge.
Writers and journalists attending the event said that more publications like this book are necessary to keep the state’s history alive. They added that strong documentation helps build informed citizens and encourages young people to take interest in their cultural and political heritage. They agreed that language preservation, digital innovation and reading habits must grow together for Uttarakhand to maintain a strong and distinctive identity.
Overall, the book launch became not just a literary function but also an important platform for discussing the future of reading, culture and regional languages in Uttarakhand. Dhami’s message focused on balancing technology with tradition and strengthening both political understanding and cultural pride among the people of the state.
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