Dehradun, Oct. 24 -- The Uttarakhand government will mark 25 years of the state's formation with over a week-long silver jubilee celebrations from November 1 to 9, featuring a series of cultural and developmental events across all districts. The celebrations will not only highlight the state's achievements since its creation in 2000, but also focus on preparing a roadmap for the next 25 years, officials said on Thursday. Chief secretary Anand Bardhan, while chairing a review meeting at the Secretariat, said that the Silver Jubilee events will celebrate Uttarakhand's journey of progress in the last two and a half decades and set the vision for its future growth. "The state has achieved major milestones in education, health, tourism, industry, and connectivity over the past 25 years. These achievements must be showcased through exhibitions and public events, alongside a clear roadmap for the next 25 years," he said. The chief secretary directed all departments to organise district-level and state-level events, including cultural programmes, public exhibitions, and community engagement activities from November 1 to 9. He emphasised that workers, farmers, women, ex-servicemen, and youth should be actively involved in the celebrations. "The Silver Jubilee is an opportunity for the people of Uttarakhand to look back on our shared achievements and collectively shape the next phase of the state's development. Public participation will be the central theme of these celebrations," Bardhan said. According to officials, the events will include statewide exhibitions, cultural programmes, seminars, and interactive sessions highlighting progress in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. Departments have been asked to document major policy achievements and prepare forward-looking proposals for the coming decades. A two-day special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly will also be held in Dehradun on November 3 and 4, where elected representatives will deliberate on the state's progress and outline a development blueprint for the next 25 years. Officials said the government aims to use the Silver Jubilee year as a turning point for long-term planning, addressing challenges such as migration from hill areas, employment generation, sustainable tourism, and infrastructure resilience. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has termed the upcoming Assembly session "a prestigious and dignified occasion" that should remain above party politics. State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt said, "Since 2000, every government and political party has contributed to Uttarakhand's progress. The Silver Jubilee session should be used to discuss achievements, policy direction, and the state's future vision rather than indulge in political criticism." Bhatt also urged opposition leaders to "rise above negative politics" and participate in constructive discussions. "This is a moment for pride and introspection. People have already given their verdict in several elections, and this special session should be forward-looking," he added. Meanwhile, Suryakant Dhasmana, senior vice president of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (UKPCC), welcomed the government's decision to hold the session but stressed the need for genuine reflection. "Silver Jubilee should remind us of the dreams of those who struggled and sacrificed for statehood. We need to examine key challenges, including migration from hill areas, unemployment among youth, and gaps in healthcare and education"....