Jammu, March 11 Newly appointed Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta thanked the country's leadership on Wednesday for entrusting him with the responsibility, and said he would work for the overall development of the state, taking all sections of society along.
Gupta (66), the former lieutenant governor of Ladakh who was sworn in as the governor of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, arrived in Jammu on Wednesday and expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing him to serve the people, saying they expect that governance benefits every section of society.
"I thank the president and the prime minister for giving me this opportunity. After seven months, I have been given a chance to work in a large state. They expect that every section of society is taken along for the betterment of Himachal," Gupta said.
On reports that people from Jammu and Kashmir are allegedly facing harassment in Himachal Pradesh, Gupta said, "I have not had much time yet, but good relations should exist between J-K and Himachal, which share deep cultural and historical links. The mutual respect and goodwill should be preserved."
"Our language, culture and civilisation are similar. During the Dogra rule, Himachal was also part of their state. Even today, songs here mention places like Chamba and Kangra. That mutual love and affection should be maintained.”
Outlining his priorities, the governor underscored the need to make Himachal drug-free, emphasising that collective efforts by the government, civil society and communities are essential to combat substance abuse and protect the younger generation.
Initiatives for youth engagement, skill development and constructive participation in social and economic activities would remain central to his plans, Gupta said.
The governor also highlighted Himachal's potential in religious and adventure tourism, and stressed the need to promote organic farming, noting that the hill state offers unique conditions to emerge as a hub of sustainable agriculture.
"Encouraging organic practices would protect the environment, enhance farmers' income and strengthen rural livelihoods,” he said.
The governor also said that the position he holds does not belong to any political party, and that he would work with both the ruling and opposition outfits for Himachal’s overall development.
Youth empowerment, quality higher education, and contribution to the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 would remain his abiding priorities as the Himachal governor, Gupta said.
Highlighting the ‘Make in India’ initiative to advance in Himachal’s industries, Gupta said, "We are focusing on youth. The prime minister often emphasises that 75 per cent of our population is young, and efforts should be made for their welfare.”
On Tuesday, Gupta resigned as the lieutenant governor of Ladakh after serving the UT for more than eight months.