Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing ceremony of the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge on Monday at the Chauras campus of Garhwal University in Tehri. The event was organized jointly by the Indian Army and Uttarakhand Tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the event included participation from 100 Indian Army soldiers and approximately 200 adventure trekkers from across India. Participants completed a demanding 113-kilometre high-altitude marathon along the Kedaar-Badri trail, covering routes from Helang to Kalgot, Kalgot to Mandal, and Mandal to Ukhimath. He commended all participants for their courage, endurance, and determination.
He added that the competition also involved traversing a historic and spiritual route connecting Badrinath, Kedarnath Dham, and the Panch Kedar. The Chief Minister emphasized the Indian Army’s role not only in securing national borders but also in nation-building by inspiring society and youth through initiatives like this. Such events help instill discipline, courage, leadership, and patriotism among young people.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives would aid in preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage while creating employment and livelihood opportunities in border areas. He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s youth are confident, border areas are integrating into mainstream development, and the country is gaining a new global identity in adventure sports and tourism.
He further said that alongside promoting adventure tourism, unprecedented efforts are being made under the Vibrant Village Program to develop and empower border villages. Recalling the Prime Minister’s winter stay at Harsil-Mukhba last year, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister encouraged various adventure sports activities. The state government is focusing on promoting angling, rafting, kayaking, trekking, paragliding, cycling, and mountaineering in a planned manner.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s potential, Dhami noted that from the snowy slopes of Auli to the fast-flowing Ganga River in Rishikesh, from the heights of Munsyari to the vast expanse of Tehri Lake, every region is emerging as a vibrant hub of adventure tourism. He said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, an extensive road network is under development in border areas, enhancing connectivity and strengthening tourism, trade, and strategic progress.
He also pointed out that the Prime Minister’s visit to Mana, a remote and strategically important location, has brought national recognition to border regions. The Chief Minister extended gratitude to all participants and winners of the competition and wished them a bright future.
Major Pushpendra Singh of the Garhwal Scouts said the competition aimed to promote adventure tourism in border rural areas and to connect traditional pilgrimage routes with tourism. About 300 participants from across India took part in the rigorous 113-kilometre event, demonstrating their physical endurance, skills, and determination while navigating challenging mountainous terrain.
The event commenced on April 16 with an expo at Badrinath, followed by marathon stages from Helang to Kalgot on April 17, Kalgot to Mandal on April 18, and Mandal to Ukhimath on April 19.
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