‘Destination Himachal @2025’ Exhibition Showcases Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Dharamshala, July 2, 2025: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a significant step towards innovation, empowerment, and self-reliance with the inauguration of the ‘Destination Himachal @2025 – Aatmanirbhar Bharat Exhibition’ at the HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala. Organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Regional Office Chandigarh, the three-day exhibition (July 2–4) is open to the public daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM with free entry.
Inaugurating the event, Hon’ble Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla lauded Himachal Pradesh’s transformation from a tranquil hill state into a dynamic centre of innovation. “Himachal is no longer just a land of mountains—it is now a hub of opportunities and solutions,” the Governor declared.
He praised the exhibition as a powerful reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, noting that the event encapsulates India’s journey over the last 11 years through the themes of Seva (service), Sushasan (good governance), and Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor). The Governor also stressed the need to integrate physical, mental, and social well-being into the self-reliance narrative, referencing the Drug-Free Himachal campaign as a vital public movement.
Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, Member of Parliament (Kangra–Chamba) and Patron of the event, underlined his commitment to creating real opportunities for youth and farmers. “I don’t wish to be a mere distributor of funds. My goal is to empower the youth by connecting them to platforms that build capacity and spark innovation,” he said. Dr. Bhardwaj also announced a similar exhibition in Chamba in November 2025, extending the momentum of this initiative.
The exhibition attracted an overwhelming response on its opening day, with over 3,000 students and 500 farmers participating. It features a wide array of displays and interactive stalls focusing on sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, healthcare, biotechnology, defence, research, skill development, and startups.
The exhibition also prominently features the Government of India’s major achievements and citizen-centric initiatives under the theme ‘11 Years of Seva, Sushasan aur Garib Kalyan’, capturing the spirit of an inclusive and self-reliant India.
Eminent Dignitaries Present at the inauguration included Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, MP (Lok Sabha, Kangra–Chamba); Vipin Parmar, Former Speaker & MLA; Sudhir Sharma, MLA, Dharamshala; Ranveer Singh, MLA; Pawan Kajal, MLA; Trilok Kapoor, BJP State General Secretary;Prof. S.P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, CUHP; idhi Singh, Northern Railways; Vishal Nehria, Former MLA; Hem Raj Bairwa, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra; Shalini Agnihotri, Superintendent of Police, Kangra; Satish Iyer, Department of Atomic Energy; and Dr. Neeraj Dogre, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).