• Language is soul of a nation, asks youth to speak mother tongue with pride 
• Asks youth to lead india towards 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047

Governor Kavinder Gupta today addressed at the National Session of Bhartiya Yuva Sansad, organised jointly by the Bhartiya Yuva Sansad-Media Foundation and the Central Sanskrit University at the Maharshi Vyas Auditorium in Nagpur. 

The session brought nearly 600 young participants from across the country for vibrant democratic deliberation on issues of national importance.

Addressing the young participants, the Governor underscored that a nation's languages are not merely instruments of communication, they are its soul, memory and living identity. He expressed deep concern over the growing tendency among the present generation to feel hesitant about speaking their mother tongue, calling it a serious cultural warning signal. "Learning English is welcome, but not at the cost of one's own language," he said, adding that a child who thinks in his mother tongue grows up more creative, more self-confident and more deeply rooted in his civilisation.

The Governor cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent use of Hindi while addressing world forums  from the United Nations and G-20 summits to bilateral engagements as an inspiring example of cultural self-respect. He noted that at the recently held India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Prime Minister delivered his address in Hindi, sending a resounding message that India can think, speak and lead in its own language even on subjects as cutting-edge as Artificial Intelligence. 

Expressing pride in India's rich linguistic diversity from Kashmiri, Dogri and Pahari to Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati and Sanskrit, he said that multilingual participation in the session was a living expression of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

 He called upon youth to internalise the Panch Parivartan including Swabodh (self-awareness and swadeshi spirit), Kutumb Prabodhan (strengthening of the family unit), Samajik Samarasta (social harmony across all divides), Paryavaran Sanrakshan (environmental conservation) and Nagrik Kartavya (faithful discharge of citizen duties) principles as a personal charter for responsible citizenship and national renewal.

Emphasizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Governor said that the India marking a century of independence will be shaped by the energy, innovation and commitment of today’s youth. Addressing the young participants, he urged them to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of progress but as active builders of the nation’s future, stressing that the dream of a developed India will be realized when young Indians combine knowledge, skills and a strong sense of national responsibility. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering youth through initiatives such as the National Education Policy, Startup India, Skill India and Digital India, adding that the goal is not only economic advancement but the emergence of an India that is prosperous, socially just, culturally confident and firmly rooted in its timeless values while engaging with the world.

The Governor congratulated the Bhartiya Yuva Sansad-Media Foundation and Central Sanskrit University for this outstanding initiative that beautifully bridges India's ancient knowledge tradition with the aspirations of its youth, giving democracy both roots and wings.

Earlier, the Governor paid heartfelt tributes to the first Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and the second Sarsanghchalak Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar at Smriti Bhoomi, Nagpur, offering floral tributes to their sacred samadhis.  

On the occasion, Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rahul Narwekar, Vice-Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University New Delhi Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Dean, Academic Affairs and Students' Welfare, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi Prof. Madan Mohan Jha and Registrar, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi Prof. R.G. Murali Krishna were also present and addressed the gathering.

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·        State-level 'Jal Mahotsav' organized in Baddi

·        Jal Shakti Department implementing 10,000 schemes

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that providing clean drinking water to every citizen and ensuring irrigation water reaches every agricultural field is a top priority of the State government, and to fulfill this objective, the Jal Shakti Department is working tirelessly. Mukesh Agnihotri was addressing the state-level 'Jal Mahotsav' ceremony, organized on the occasion of World Water Day, in Baddi of Doon Assembly constituency in Solan district, today.

On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister commended the officers and employees of the Jal Shakti Department for working 24/7 and expressed hope that the department would continue to work relentlessly to ensure water reaches everyone.

During the event, he announced a grant of Rs. two crore each for the augmentation and installation of various tube wells across the Doon and Nalagarh Assembly Constituencies. Of this amount, Rs. one crore will be provided by the Jal Shakti Department, while the remaining Rs. one crore will be contributed by the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority for each Assembly Constituency. He further gave an assurance that 50 additional posts each would be filled in the Doon and Nalagarh Assembly Constituencies to ensure the smooth functioning of the Jal Shakti Department in these areas. He noted that, previously, 45 posts each had been filled in these two constituencies.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the issue regarding the tendering process for the four-laning of the Nalagarh-Baddi National Highway would be raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to ensure that the project commences expeditiously. He added that the matter concerning the improvement of the highway stretch connecting Kalka in Haryana to Baddi in Himachal Pradesh would also be presented before the Union Transport Minister.

Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the state government is currently procuring 297 electric buses and 250 diesel buses. As per requirements, a portion of these buses will be allocated to serve the Doon and Nalagarh Assembly Constituencies.

Additionally, the Deputy Chief Minister gave an assurance that the Joharji Mela in the Doon Assembly Constituency would be elevated to the status of a district-level fair. He issued instructions to explore the feasibility of extending the Himachal Road Transport Corporation's Shimla and Ramshahr bus services up to Sai, as well as expanding the Kuthar bus service.

He stated that the Doon Assembly Constituency serves as the financial capital of the State. This region is highly important, representing a blend of both hilly and plain terrains. The daily water requirement for this Assembly Constituency stands at 1.6 million liters.

He said that approximately 500 tube wells have been established in the Baddi and Nalagarh regions to fulfill water-related requirements.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the Jal Shakti Department is currently implementing 10,000 schemes across the state to ensure the availability of clean drinking water and adequate irrigation water for the people. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, projects worth Rs. 6,000 crore have been executed within the state. Furthermore, claims amounting to Rs. 1,227 crore, pertaining to various schemes of the state's Jal Shakti Department, are currently pending with the Centre Government.

He stated that a comprehensive scheme worth Rs. 2,000 crore is being formulated to ensure the provision of clean water across all Assembly Constituencies in the State. Additionally, various schemes are being implemented for the augmentation, remodeling and groundwater recharging of existing water infrastructure.

Mukesh Agnihotri emphasized that water is the very foundation of life and urged everyone to lend their support to the efforts being undertaken by the State government towards water conservation.

He directed officials to ensure adequate preparedness regarding water supply across the state, specifically including the Doon and Nalagarh Assembly constituencies, during the summer season and to ensure that alternative arrangements are put in place wherever necessary.

Mukesh Agnihotri reiterated that the state government is working diligently to extend the reach of clean drinking water to every single Gram Panchayat. The distribution of this water is to be ensured at the Gram Panchayat level. He further stated that water is being provided free of cost at the rural level.

On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition organized by the Jal Shakti Department and urged everyone to utilize this exhibition as an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Department's operational mechanisms. On this occasion, women who have performed outstanding work in the field of water management were honored with the 'Neer Nari Samman', diligent employees of the department were presented with commendation certificates for their continuous, round-the-clock service and Gram Panchayat Basal and Gram Panchayat Panjehra were felicitated for successfully undertaking the complete responsibility for the operation and maintenance of water supply schemes.

Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister and other guests, and presented the demands of his Assembly Constituency. He urged for the approval of various water supply schemes within the Doon constituency, the filling of vacant posts in the Jal Shakti Department, the introduction of bus services in the region as per local requirements and the securing of World Bank approval for the Detailed Project Report, valued at Rs. 215 crore, for the Barotiwala-Banlagi-Solan road project.

Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Singh Bawa requested for approval of various schemes to ensure the provision of drinking water and irrigation water supply within the Nalagarh Assembly Constituency.

Vice Chairman of the State Water Management Board Shashi Sharma provided detailed information regarding the department's functioning and various schemes.

Senior Congress leader and former President of the Baddi Municipal Council Madan Lal Chaudhary presented the vote of thanks.

Engineer-in-Chief of the Jal Shakti Department Anju Sharma presented a comprehensive overview of the department's activities, noting that 72 water testing laboratories have been established across the state to ensure the availability of clean drinking water. She also emphasized the conservation of traditional water sources.

Chief Engineer of the State Water Sanitation Mission Hemant Tanwar provided details regarding World Water Day and the state-level commemoration.

On this occasion, cultural programs focusing on water conservation and other themes were presented by the Jhankar Musical Group and the Parvatiya Lok Kala Manch.

Senior functionaries of the Congress Party, Chief Executive Officer of the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority and Commissioner of the Baddi Municipal Corporation Sonakshi Singh Tomar, Superintendent of Police Baddi Vinod Dhiman and other senior officers of Jal Shakti Vibhag and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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CM urges not to impose other State's norms on hilly state like Himachal

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh in New Delhi today. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri joined the event virtually from Shimla, while Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil also attended the event virtually.

On behalf of the State, Secretary Jal Shakti Vibhag Dr. Abhishek Jain was present, while Joint Secretary Swati Nayak signed the MoU on behalf of the Government of India. JJM 2.0 will be implemented up to December 2028 with an enhanced outlay and restructured framework, focusing on structural reforms in the rural drinking water supply sector. At present, priority is being given to all single village schemes (SVS), including those for which States and Union Territories have already incurred advance expenditure.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the geographical conditions of Himachal Pradesh were challenging and should not be compared with other states, as the cost of construction in hilly areas was significantly higher. He emphasized that norms applicable to other states should not be imposed on Himachal Pradesh. He added that the state government was actively promoting the management and distribution of water supply schemes through Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Sh. Sukhu also urged the Union Government to release the pending amount of Rs. 1,227 crore under JJM, stating that work on several schemes has already been completed but payments are yet to be released. He said that the state government is committed to providing clean drinking water to every household and is working towards adopting advanced and modern technologies for water purification.

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CM invites investment in Tourism, Food Processing and IT Sectors

• Harassment of industrialists will not be tolerated: Chief Minister 
• Presides over CII’s Annual conference

While presiding over the CII Himachal Pradesh Annual Conference themed “Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh for a Better Tomorrow: Harnessing Local Strengths for Global Competitiveness” in Shimla late evening on Thursday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invited industry leaders to invest in the tourism, food processing and Information Technology sectors. He said that the present State Government is actively promoting green industries, keeping in view the State’s unique geographical and environmental conditions. He further said that the Government would provide all possible support and necessary facilities to industries, and that investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors is being actively encouraged. The government also plans to invest Rs. 3,000 crore in tourism in the coming times, he added.

He said that heliports are being constructed at district headquarters and prominent tourist places of the State and added that heli-taxi services have already been introduced, with plans underway to expand this facility. Additionally, the expansion of the Kangra airport is in progress.

The Chief Minister assured that any form of harassment of industrialists would not be tolerated and their grievances could be brought directly to his notice. He further stated that a Bulk Drug Park is being developed at Haroli in Una district, where incentives are being offered to investors. Emphasizing improvements in the single-window system, he said that all clearances for industries should be provided at one place and the Industries Department should actively facilitate investors.

Sh. Sukhu said that most industries in the state are located along the borders with neighbouring States and added that the Government is focusing on developing better infrastructure in these areas. He said that underground utility ducts, on the lines of Shimla, would be developed in Baddi, and efforts are being made to address power load issues in industrial areas. He further said that the State Government is bearing 50 percent of the cost, along with land acquisition expenses, to extend railway connectivity to Baddi, which would benefit industries associated with BBMB.

He remarked that Himachal Pradesh serves as the “lungs of North India” as well as a “water bowl,” but it has been deprived of its rightful share. He said that financial assistance under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, earlier provided to the State in the form of Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG), has been discontinued and the present Government is fighting to restore it.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the first Chief Minister of the State, who has been laying special emphasis on resource mobilization. He added that the people of Himachal Pradesh have continuously faced natural disasters. In 2024, the State also witnessed a political crisis, but the government confronted these challenges with resilience. He said that the State Government extended assistance to disaster-affected people from its own resources. However, despite the Prime Minister’s announcement, disaster-affected families in Himachal Pradesh are still awaiting financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 crore from the Centre, he added.

Sh. Chauhan further said that Himachal Pradesh offers a conducive environment for industries, with no shortage of power and a strong law and order system. “We are focusing on building from within and that begins with a simple but powerful message: buy local. When we choose locally made products, we are not just supporting our businesses, we are strengthening our economy, sustaining livelihoods, and laying the foundation for a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh,” he added.

Director Industries Dr. Yunus, CII Northern Region Chairperson Anjali Singh, Deepan Garg, Puneet Kaura, Sanjay Suri from CII and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University Prof. Mahavir Singh and Vice Chancellor of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel called on Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhawan here today.

During the courtesy call, both the Vice Chancellors apprised the Governor about various academic, research and developmental activities being undertaken in their respective universities. They also briefed him on ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education and promoting innovation and skill-based learning among students.

The Governor held a detailed discussion on improving the quality of education in higher educational institutions and emphasized the need to align academic programmes with emerging global standards. He underlined the importance of holistic development of youth, including value-based education, skill enhancement and research-oriented learning.

Sh. Gupta stressed that universities play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation and should focus on nurturing responsible, skilled and socially aware citizens. He also encouraged adopting innovative practices and contributing towards the overall development of the State.

In a separate meeting, Special Envoy to the UAE and India Ms. Kanika Chaudhary, called on the Governor here today.

During the meeting, Ms. Chaudhary discussed various areas of mutual interest, including opportunities for strengthening cooperation between India and the United Arab Emirates in sectors such as trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange. She also shared her perspectives on enhancing bilateral engagement and fostering people-to-people connections.

The Governor appreciated the growing relations between India and the UAE and emphasized the importance of exploring new avenues of collaboration that could contribute to economic growth and development. He highlighted the potential of Himachal Pradesh in sectors such as tourism, horticulture and education and stressed the need to attract investment and promote international partnerships.

Shri Gupta also underscored the significance of strengthening global ties and encouraged initiatives that facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation and sustainable development. He expressed hope that such interactions would further enhance cooperation and open new opportunities for the State.

Vice Chancellor, Central University, Dharamshala Prof. S.P. Bansal was also present on the occasion.

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