Uttarakhand: Lekhak Gaon Emerges as Centre of Literature and Arts

Dehradun, October 29: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took part in the closing function of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival 2026 on Thursday. He said the venue has developed into a significant point for literature, art and music.

Dhami began his remarks by remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister during whose time Uttarakhand was formed as a state. He described Vajpayee as a sadhak of words, noting that Saraswati dwelled on his tongue. The chief minister said Vajpayee displayed the firmness of mountains and the depth of the Ganga. He added that if Vajpayee were alive, he would have been delighted to see what Lekhak Gaon had become.

The chief minister said Vajpayee had taught that words can be used as instruments for nation-building. He said Lekhak Gaon should be understood not only as a physical place but as a source of thought that shapes society and prepares the young generation for the future.

Dhami described Lekhak Gaon as a place for the discipline of ideas rather than a modern village. He said words take root here like seeds, and culture helps refine the identity of people. In a cultural state such as Uttarakhand, he said, the festival gives a stage to local artists, talents and writers and brings the state's name to the global literary map.

He further said the festival helps younger generations reconnect with their roots and guides them on the path ahead. The closing session, he added, is the beginning of a continuing journey of creativity.

More than 60 countries were represented at the international festival. The five-day event included several programmes in which people shared their views on literature and art. Scholars from India and around the world working in these fields took part.