Says hard work, honesty and trust define Himachalis across India and the world
New Delhi, October 25: Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday urged Himachalis living outside the state to strengthen mutual cooperation and promote Himachal Pradesh’s local products, tourism and rich cultural heritage.
He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the 55th annual function and Himachal Mela organised by the Himachal Kalyan Sabha, along with the 107th half-yearly conference of the All India Himachal Social Organisations Association in New Delhi. He extended his greetings to the Himachali community and thanked the organisers for successfully conducting the events.
Thakur said Himachalis create a mini-Himachal wherever they settle. Through their hard work and honesty, people from the hill state have enhanced its reputation and made significant contributions to nation-building. He said hard work, honesty and trust have become the defining qualities of Himachalis across India and the world.
Although Himachal Pradesh is a small state, its identity and contribution to the country are significant, he said, adding that the state has produced soldiers, sportspersons, teachers, scientists and administrative officers who have contributed to various fields, including social and political life.
The MP said Himachalis living in Delhi and other parts of the country should look beyond their individual careers and work towards strengthening the state’s identity and creating new opportunities for its people. He urged them to expand networks of mutual support and contribute to promoting local products, tourism and the state’s cultural heritage.
Emphasising the vision of a developed India, Thakur said the goal could not be achieved without a developed Himachal Pradesh. With India aiming to become a developed nation by 2047, he called for sustained efforts to transform Himachal into a developed state as well.
He highlighted rural development, employment opportunities for young people, the empowerment of farmers and horticulturists, and tourism-led income generation as key priorities. He said Himachal Pradesh represents not just a birthplace but also the values, traditions, identity and family connections of its people. Preserving this heritage while preparing a clear roadmap for development is equally important, he added.
Thakur also stressed that Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous geography requires development priorities and standards suited to its unique conditions. He said balanced growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection and the preservation of local culture.
Referring to the Union government’s approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the specific geographical challenges of Himalayan states have highlighted the need for tailored policies and development planning. Since 2014, efforts have been made to improve infrastructure and expand facilities and resources in sectors such as roads, healthcare, education and energy across hill states.
He added that the Centre was continuing the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the development of hill states, with a focus on advancing Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan regions.
