‘Uttarakhand is an emotion, not just a state’: Dr Kumar Vishwas on Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogue

New Delhi: At the Dialogue on Transformation of Uttarakhand in Dehradun, poet and author Dr Kumar Vish discussed the spiritual nature, cultural identity and development of the state. He urged people to consider Uttarakhand not just as a destination but as a sacred space that needs to be respected.Emphasizing that people have a deeper connect with the region, he said, “Uttarakhand is not a state but an emotion. One should enter the state like a temple.” People visiting Devbhoomi should embody its spirit.Vishwas made a strong appeal to protect the sanctity of the major pilgrim town. He urged authorities and tourists not to turn Haridwar and Rishikesh into commercial tourism hubs, suggesting that destinations like Mussoorie and Landur were better suited for such activities.Preserving the sacred character of the Holy City will ensure that people continue to respect their cultural and spiritual heritage. He said tourists must come to Uttarakhand with “tameez and tehzeeb” and respect the traditions of the land.Sharing his views on the idea of ​​religious tourism, Vishwas said, “I have been visiting Uttarakhand for years. These two words should never be put together. Places like Haridwar and Kedarnath are not religious, they are spiritual. Anyone can create a religion to fool the gullible masses. Spirituality is about keeping your humanity alive.”Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, he highlighted India’s scientific achievements and humanitarian prospects. “India’s scientific ethos helps in the fight against COVID-19. We were one of the first countries to develop a vaccine and then sent it to countries that could not afford a vaccine. This is India’s thought process. We want everyone to stay happy and prosperous,” he said.He also advised tourists to embrace the local culture. “When you travel to Uttarakhand, you have to follow its culture and eat its food, otherwise you might as well go to Switzerland,” he said.When asked about the growing impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of life, including the creative arts, he said, “The more artificial intelligence appears, the more real intelligence will be valued.” Weaving spirituality, cultural pride and modern realities together, Vishwas captivated the audience with his anecdotes and wide-ranging knowledge.