Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas, or Uttarakhand Foundation Day, is celebrated on November 9 every year, as it marks the date when Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India in 2000. But do you know the story behind the creation of this Himalayan state? How did the people of Uttarakhand achieve their long-cherished dream of having a separate state? What were the challenges and struggles that they faced along the way? In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas, and how it reflects the identity and aspirations of the people of Uttarakhand.
The Origin of the Demand for Statehood
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or Land of Gods, is a region that has a distinct culture, language, and geography from the rest of Uttar Pradesh, the state to which it belonged until 2000. The region is home to some of the highest and most sacred mountains, rivers, and temples in India, as well as rich and diverse flora and fauna. The people of Uttarakhand are mostly hill dwellers, who have a strong sense of community and tradition.
However, despite its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Uttarakhand remained one of the most underdeveloped and neglected regions in India. The people of Uttarakhand faced various problems, such as poverty, unemployment, migration, illiteracy, environmental degradation, exploitation of natural resources, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate representation in politics and administration. The region also suffered from frequent natural disasters, such as landslides, floods, earthquakes, and droughts.
The demand for a separate state for Uttarakhand emerged as a way to address these issues and to protect the identity and interests of the people of Uttarakhand. The demand was also influenced by the national and regional movements for linguistic and cultural autonomy that took place in India after independence. The first formal proposal for a separate state for Uttarakhand was made by the All India Kumaon Parishad in 1952. However, it did not receive much attention or support from the central or state governments.
The Rise of the Movement for Statehood
The movement for statehood gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, with the emergence of various social and political organizations that raised awareness and mobilized support for the cause of Uttarakhand. Some of these organizations were:
- Uttar Pradesh Himalayan Hill Area Development Council (UPHHADC): Formed in 1973 by Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a prominent leader from Uttarakhand. The council demanded more autonomy and development for the hill regions within Uttar Pradesh.
- Uttar Pradesh Hill People’s Conference (UPHPC): Formed in 1978 by Indramani Badoni, a veteran freedom fighter and social activist from Uttarakhand. The conference demanded a separate state for Uttarakhand based on linguistic and cultural grounds.
- Uttaranchal Kranti Dal (UKD): Formed in 1979 by Kashi Singh Airy, a former Member of Parliament from Uttarakhand. The UKD was the first political party to exclusively advocate for a separate state for Uttarakhand.
- Chipko Movement: A grassroots environmental movement that started in 1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Women hugged trees to prevent contractors from cutting them down. The movement highlighted the ecological and economic importance of forests for the hill people.
These organizations organized various protests, rallies, petitions, hunger strikes, and agitations to pressure the central and state governments to accept their demand for statehood. They also faced repression and resistance from the authorities and some sections of society who opposed their demand.
The Turning Point: The Muzaffarnagar Firing
The most notable event that sparked widespread outrage and sympathy for the cause of Uttarakhand was the Muzaffarnagar firing that took place on October 2, 1994. On this day, thousands of activists from Uttarakhand were marching towards Delhi to participate in a rally organized by UPHHADC to demand statehood. At Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, the police stopped them and fired upon them without any provocation or warning. This brutal incident resulted in the death or injury of several activists.
The Muzaffarnagar firing shocked and angered the people of Uttarakhand, who saw it as a gross violation of their democratic rights and human dignity. The incident also drew national and international attention and condemnation and increased the pressure on the central and state governments to resolve the issue of statehood. The incident also united the various factions and groups within the movement, who decided to intensify their struggle for statehood.
How Uttarakhand capital changed from Dehradun to Gairsain: A historical and political perspective
The Final Victory: The Creation of Uttarakhand
After years of negotiations and discussions, the Parliament of India passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act in 2000, which paved the way for the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state. The act was signed by the President of India on October 25, 2000, and came into effect on November 9, 2000. The first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand was Nityanand Swami, who headed a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The capital of Uttarakhand was initially Dehradun but later shifted to Gairsain in 2020.
The creation of Uttarakhand was a historic moment for the people of Uttarakhand, who celebrated it with joy and pride. It was also a tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of those who fought for the cause of statehood. It was also a recognition of the distinct identity and aspirations of the people of Uttarakhand.
For more information about the history and significance of Uttarakhand, you can visit the official website of the Uttarakhand government. [Click Here]
The Significance of Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas
Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas is a proud occasion for the people of Uttarakhand, as it symbolizes their identity, culture, and aspirations. It is also a day to remember the sacrifices and contributions of those who fought for the cause of statehood. On this day, various cultural programs, rallies, seminars, and awards are organized across the state to celebrate its history and achievements. The Chief Minister and Governor of Uttarakhand also addressed the people and hoisted the national flag at the state capital.
Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas is also a day to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the state. The state has made significant progress in various fields, such as education, health, tourism, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. However, it also faces some problems, such as migration, unemployment, corruption, environmental degradation, disaster management, and regional disparities. The state also needs to preserve and promote its unique and rich culture, language, and heritage.
Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas is a day to celebrate the spirit and culture of Uttarakhand and to work towards its development and prosperity. It is also a day to inspire and motivate the younger generation to contribute to the state and the nation.
I hope this blog post helps you understand more about Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas and why it is an important day for the people of Uttarakhand. If you liked this blog post, please share it with your friends and family. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading! 😊