Uttarakhand is turning into an attractive destination for employment, trade and investment : Swami Yatishwaranand

• Ex minister and Former Haridwar MLA says, Dhami govt is sincerely, actively implementing the policies of Modi

Swami Yatishwaranand is a pious hearted soul, who believes in the philosophy of overall development of an individual towards perfection. He is of the opinion that if a person is enlightened, he is destined to change our society into an innovative, inspirational and motivational hub of developmental ideas. With his untiring hunch and urge to change the society and make it a viable tool for peace, progress and prosperity, Swami Yatishwaranand found his destination in the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami. Former Haridwar MLA Swami ji is a dedicated believer in the philosophy of Integral Humanism which looks at the individual not merely as a material object but one who has a spiritual dimension. He talks of integral approach to economic development that has individual at its core that is linked to the family, the society and the nation. Swami ji believes that the integration of ‘vyashti, srishti, samashti, and parameshti is the essence of existence of man. Centre piece of his philosophy is Antyodaya – the welfare of the last person in the queue.BJP leader Swami ji implemented his core belief, when he was a prominent minister in the Uttarakhand government. He is a sanyasi, who has devoted his life for the socio-economic upliftment of teeming millions on the basis of  Integral Humanism with ‘Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas’ as his core belief.In his social, political mission, he has given space to all the sections of the society irrespective of caste and creed to make Uttarakhand a ‘samaras’ or harmonious society. The Emerging World Special Correspondent Manoj Pathak held a wide range of discussion with Swami Yatishwaranand ji recently.

Manoj Pathak : What is your developmental plan for Uttarakhand?

Swami Yatishwaranand : I am the follower of the developmental philosophy of RSS, BJP and PM Narendra Modi ji and “ Sabka saath, Sabka vikash and sabka vishwas” is my motto of life. I firmly believe that if a person is spiritually enlightened, he is certainly going to be a boon for the society. In his personal or social life, his action will always be governed by sincerity, devotion and responsibility towards society. Here in Uttarakhand, Dhami govt is sincerely, actively implementing the policies of Modi ji.

Manoj Pathak :  Uttarakhand is called Dev Bhumi. The bounteous nature has been the constant source of common people’s livelihoods. Could you please elaborate on your thoughts on a longstanding ecology-economy linkage?

Swami Yatishwaranand : Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the country is rapidly moving to build a robust economy. By 2025, we will be a $5 trillion economy and the third largest economy by the end of this decade. Modi ji rightly says that the third decade of 21st century is the decade of Uttarakhand. The double engine government of Uttarakhand is working under his broad vision to create a new India. Under this, we are committed to strike a balance between economy and ecology. A vision document, with inputs from the public, for turning Uttarakhand into a model state is being developed. We are turning it into an attractive destination for employment, trade and investment.

Manoj Pathak:  It is easy to criticise the unbridled growth of tourism in the state when the sector is the main revenue earner. It is important, however, to strike a fine-tuned balance with environmental concerns in the Himalayan state! What’s your opinion on this issue?

Swami Yatishwaranand : Tourism cannot mean that we neglect local society or harm the environment. Uttarakhand is constantly attracting more tourists. They increase the income of both the locals and the state. We would definitely want those who come from outside of the state to understand that they have to contribute to the protection of the environment.

Manoj Pathak:  How the state government is planning to address the issue of

employing the youth?

Swami Yatishwaranand : We have a dynamic and energetic leader in our chief minister. He is heavily focused on creating more job opportunities for the employable youth. Recently, Hon’ble Prime Minister rightly mentioned that Uttarakhand will be the first state to establish a Speciality Multi Skill Development Centre with a capacity to train 10,000 youth covering hospitality, health care and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Manoj Pathak :  There is a constant rise in the migration from the hills to the plains. What’s the strategy of state to arrest this disastrous demographic trend?

Swami Yatishwaranand : This has been a concerning trend for long. To counter this, we have a special focus on village-centric welfare schemes. The emphasis is on increasing job opportunities and disseminating information about the schemes of the central and state governments for such populations, while also making all their benefits available to them. Our goal is to fully stop migration by providing employment and business opportunities in the villages. It is for these very purposes that we have a Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission. In addition, women self-help groups are ensuring that women find suitable jobs in their own native places.

Manoj Pathak :  What was the need for the four-lane Char Dham highway when the army and numerous expert committees had opposed it on various grounds?

Swami Yatishwaranand : Uttarakhand is the part of four major Hindu pilgrimages. The all-weather road is being constructed as per standard norms. We are paying complete attention to access and safety of transport. There is constant monitoring, especially at places where there is the slightest difficulty.

Manoj Pathak:  This state gave the world a unique movement to protect the environment (the Chipko movement), yet why does it now seem that the enthusiasm to protect environment is slowing down in the villages located up in the hills? Do you see a kind of rupture in the relationship between the people and nature?

Swami Yatishwaranand : The environment and human life cannot be separated. Away from nature, we can’t develop a healthy and happy society. The government is making numerous efforts to build awareness about protecting and enhancing natural resources. The citizens of this state are guardians of the environment. It was this way earlier and it still remains so.

Manoj Pathak:  How much time will it take to restore Dev Bhoomi to its original pristine state?

Swami Yatishwaranand :  Like the holy stream of Ma Ganga, the purity of Dev Bhoomi can never be lost. We only have to ensure clear intent and strong will power. Work cannot be defined or confined in months or years. Whatever time one gets is always too little. We are constantly working towards development while keeping our antiquity and traditional cultural values intact.

Manoj Pathak:  How do you view the recently held Global Investors Summit in Dehradun. Will it help the state to bolster the prospects of investment in the state?

Swami Yatishwaranand :  Sure, with the blessings of our visionary Prime Minister complemented by chief minister’s untiring efforts, the two-day investors’ summit turned out to be a huge success. With Its theme “Peace to Prosperity”, it attracted hundreds of big, medium and small investors. It witnessed the participation of union ministers, ambassadors and business representatives of various countries along with leading corporate houses and business chambers, among others. They all agreed to adopt House of Himalaya brand in their policies and business ventures. I’m hopeful that under the current government and leadership, Uttarakhand holds immense potential to grow in terms of socio-economic development and overall governance.