Dhami Launches ‘Hello Haldwani’ Community Radio App to Boost Education and Culture in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, September 5, 2025: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday launched the community radio mobile application Hello Haldwani 91.2 FM from his camp office, calling it a landmark step in promoting education and culture across the state.

Community radio has long been seen as an important medium for reaching people in remote regions, and Dhami emphasized that the new initiative will give a stronger voice to local society and traditions. He noted that Uttarakhand Open University has already played a vital role in extending access to education through modern technology in difficult terrains, and this app would further amplify those efforts by connecting communities across the state and the country.

The Chief Minister underlined that education should not be confined to degrees, but must empower individuals to shape their lives and become self-reliant. To achieve this, skill development and higher education centers are being set up in all 13 districts of the state, ensuring that youth are equipped with both academic knowledge and employable skills. Dhami said such measures would transform Uttarakhand’s young people from job seekers into job creators, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

He further announced that Uttarakhand Open University would soon establish a major center in Dehradun with a special focus on research, innovation, and digital learning. The announcement reflects the state government’s push to combine traditional learning with modern technology for inclusive growth.

During the launch event, Uttarakhand Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani presented a cheque of ₹1.49 lakh towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, showcasing the institution’s commitment to social responsibility. Higher Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, UGC Director Prof. Durgesh Pant, University Registrar Khemraj Bhatt, and several other officials were also present.

The initiative highlights how technology-driven platforms like community radio can not only promote education but also preserve cultural identity while bringing government and society closer together.