Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh: He has become everyone’s friend.
Moments from Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh’s journey as Uttarakhand Governor that will be remembered forever

RADHIKA NAGRATH
Dehradun

Lieutenant General Gurmeet assumed office on September 15, 2021. In July of this year, he set the record for the longest-serving Governor in Uttarakhand’s history. Now, the Government of India has appointed a new Governor in his place, and his departure from Uttarakhand as Governor is certain. However, every moment he spent as Governor of Uttarakhand will always be remembered, making him a friend to everyone.
During his five-year tenure as Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people of Devbhoomi. His personality reflected the unique combination of the dedication of a disciplined military commander and the affection of a sensitive guardian. This was a special skill that transcended the formal boundaries of Lok Bhavan and made him a friend of every Uttarakhandi.
He assumed office on September 15, 2021. In July of this year, he set the record for the longest-serving governor in Uttarakhand’s history. His term completed five years on September 15. He focused on five missions: reverse migration, horticulture and organic farming, women’s empowerment, AI and technology, and revolution (beekeeping, aroma, homestays, self-help groups, millets, and startups).

Direct communication with the border and connection with the common people

Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd) became the first Governor to spend the night in Mana, the first village in the country. While implementing the Vibrant Village campaign, he closely shared the joys and sorrows of the guards living in border villages. He personally visited 32 out of 57 Vibrant Villages. Be it shaping the future of the youth, making the women power self-reliant or the welfare of ex-servicemen, he was always ready to help every section. During his tenure, the doors of Lok Bhavan were easily opened to the general public, due to which Lok Bhavan truly became the centre of people’s aspirations.

A new era of research and technology in higher education

His vision in the field of education transformed the state’s universities. He launched the innovative One University-One Research initiative, which focused each institution on solving a specific regional or global problem. Along with promoting artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and innovation, he made a statewide public awareness campaign to make the land of the gods drug-free his primary mission.

Modern thinking, spiritual intuition and joint efforts

As modern and technologically inclined, he possessed a deeply spiritual nature. His love for the Himalayan cultural heritage and the faith of the Devbhoomi was well known. His wife and First Lady, Gurmeet Kaur, also contributed significantly to this inspiring journey. By attending meetings with self-help groups, Anganwadi workers, and social forums across the state, she instilled new courage and self-confidence in women. A devotee of Shiva, the Governor also commissioned a Shiva temple to be built in Lok Bhavan.
Since assuming the office of Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (retd), Governor of Uttarakhand, has launched several important initiatives focused on the state’s development and public welfare. At the beginning of his tenure, he identified five key missions: reverse migration, women’s empowerment and girl child education, artificial intelligence and technology, organic and natural farming, and wellness. Over the past five years, several innovative efforts have been made to integrate these priorities with education, research, technology, health, environment, youth, women’s empowerment, and public participation.

As Chancellor, the Governor launched initiatives like “One University-One Research” to promote quality, transparency, research, and innovation in higher education. He emphasized implementing research on the ground, not just limiting it to academic pursuits. The Uttarakhand College Affiliation Portal was developed to promote transparency and the use of technology in higher education systems. This made the affiliation process for colleges and institutions online and timely. Video recording of interactions was introduced to ensure transparency in the Vice Chancellor selection process.

To improve communication and share achievements among universities, the “University Connect Uttarakhand” mobile app and the “Unisangam” mobile app for private universities were launched. For the first time, a system of regular communication was developed to bring private universities together on a common platform and strengthen their role in the state’s development.

New initiatives in the field of technology and artificial intelligence

The Governor considered Artificial Intelligence an important medium for Uttarakhand’s development and made continuous efforts to expand it into the functioning of Lok Bhavan, including education, health, tourism, and social sectors. Systems such as an AI-based smart automation system, e-passes, an online management system, a library management system, a digital dashboard, and an e-office were developed at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun. This has made the functioning of Lok Bhavan more transparent, modern, and efficient. A virtual tour was developed to digitally connect the Lok Bhavan with the public. Through this tour, visitors can digitally tour various features of the Raj Bhavan complex, including the Bonsai Garden, Nakshatra Vatika, Rajprajneshwar Mahadev Temple, Arogyadham, Rajlaxmi Gaushala, and the library.

To ensure transparency and accountability in the assets of Lok Bhavan Dehradun and Nainital, an inventory management system was developed, and bar codes were placed on materials. The ‘Gargi Nari Shakti’ AI chatbot is an innovative effort to provide women with information related to legal aid, careers, financial literacy, safety, and health. The ‘Eternal Guru’ AI chatbot attempts to disseminate the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the spiritual message of Gurbani through technology.

With the launch of the “Uttarakhand AI Mission-2025,” a significant step was taken toward integrating AI with the state’s development needs. Subsequently, initiatives like “AI-for-All” were launched to connect university and college students with modern AI education and employment-oriented training.

In this sequence, ‘Operation Saathi’, ‘Aarohi Incubator’ and AI Theme Room were started. Through Operation Saathi, the talent and ideas of students, youth, researchers, women entrepreneurs, farmers, self-help groups and local innovators are being identified in all 13 districts of the state. Aarohi Incubator is becoming a medium to connect these ideas with prototyping, guidance, research, investment and startup opportunities. Through the AI ​​Theme Room, a common platform has been provided to the AI, research, startup and technological innovations taking place in the state.

Reaching out to youth and marginalized areas

Over the past five years, the Governor has visited all districts of the state, meeting with officials and interacting with local people. With special attention to border areas and Vibrant Villages, the Governor visited 30 of the 51 Vibrant Villages. In these areas, efforts were made to understand the needs and potential of local people, youth, and veterans by interacting with them. Activities such as national unity, goodwill, and educational tours were also encouraged to connect young talent with nation-building, strengthen respect for the armed forces and veterans, and introduce students to different parts of the country.

Women empowerment and girl child education

Women’s empowerment and girls’ education have consistently been top priorities for the Governor. The establishment of the Girls’ Self-Defense and Computer Training Center at the Lok Bhavan campus is a significant initiative in this direction. Its objective is to provide girls with the necessary skills for self-defense, digital education, and future employment. Emphasis has been placed on empowering women through programs related to women’s entrepreneurship, financial literacy, health, safety, and leadership. The AI-based “Gargi Nari Shakti” initiative integrates this effort with technology.

Health and public participation

The Governor played an active role in the TB-Free India Campaign, personally assisting TB patients by becoming a Nikshay Mitra. Under his guidance, a large number of Nikshay Mitras were added to the campaign. In the subsequent phase, public participation was further strengthened by launching special campaigns for TB eradication. Awareness programs and seminars were organized at Lok Bhavan on various public issues, including TB, mental health, breast cancer, arthritis, Ayurveda, Marma Chikitsa, financial and tax literacy. Toward wellness, Arogyadham was established on the Raj Bhavan campus, offering facilities such as Panchakarma, Marma Chikitsa, and physiotherapy. Efforts were made to promote health and wellness by integrating traditional knowledge and modern technology.

Initiative towards Green Public Building

To promote environmental protection, various efforts were made, including rainwater harvesting, at the Lok Bhavan complex. Rainwater harvesting enabled the conservation and saving of approximately 200 kiloliters of water. Along with increasing greenery, a message of public awareness regarding water conservation was also spread. The foundation for the construction of multipurpose buildings at the Lok Bhavan complex is an important initiative towards smooth and effective functioning. These green buildings, equipped with modern facilities, are being constructed keeping in mind environmental protection and traditional hill architecture. This will ensure development, as well as the preservation of Uttarakhand’s local identity and ecological balance.

Integrating spiritual, natural, and cultural heritage, the “Nakshatra Vatika” was established, featuring 27 plants associated with the 27 constellations. The Lok Bhavan’s Bonsai Garden was also expanded, preserving over 500 plants. The establishment of a cowshed also integrated Indian culture and environmental values ​​into the complex.

Special sensitivity towards solving public problems and soldiers

To address the problems of veterans and their dependents, a grievance redressal officer was established at Lok Bhawan. Additionally, the Governor personally listened to people’s grievances through periodic public meetings and directed the relevant officials to address them. Regular meetings were held with the heads of central institutions located in the state to establish better coordination. This endeavor integrated the expertise and resources of these institutions into Uttarakhand’s development.

Regular family get-togethers were organized for the officers and employees working at Lok Bhavan, where their personal and official problems were addressed and outstanding personnel were honored. This served to strengthen the team spirit and family atmosphere within the organization.

From service to resolution and from resolution to accomplishment

The five-year journey of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (retd) reflects a strong emphasis on service, dialogue, technology, innovation, and public participation, alongside constitutional obligations. Keeping in mind the geographical and social conditions of Uttarakhand, numerous initiatives have been launched, ranging from education to AI, research to startups, health to wellness, women’s empowerment to young talent, and environmental protection to border areas.

The objective of the Governor in his 5-year journey has been that the talent, resources and potential of Uttarakhand should become the power for the development of the state and Devbhoomi Uttarakhand should be made a state playing its special role in the journey of developed India @ 2047.