Garhwal Post Bureau
Srinagar Garhwal, 8 Jun: A grand civic reception was held at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University on Tuesday to celebrate the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Governor of Maharashtra and Goa. Koshyari was warmly welcomed by the university community, public representatives, social organisations, and citizens.
In his address on the occasion, Bhagat Singh Koshyari stated that the Padma Bhushan award is not just a personal honour for him, but an honour for the entire people of Uttarakhand. He said that this event, more than a felicitation, should be an occasion to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the country is continuously achieving new heights.
Koshyari said that, after retiring from politics in 2013, when his name was considered for the post of Governor, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, despite being a staunch opponent, had said that he should become Governor because it would be a matter of pride for the state.
Koshyari affirmed that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has established a strong presence among leading countries on the global stage. He also cited the Prime Minister’s statement from Kedarnath that the next decade would belong to Uttarakhand. Koshyari said that the state government and rural communities are committed to realising this resolve. Today, people in the state’s villages are moving towards self-reliance by selling fruits, vegetables, and local products. Various government schemes have reduced the tendency to migrate, and people are returning to their villages. The former Chief Minister said that whether the people of Uttarakhand live in Dehradun, Delhi, or anywhere else in the country or abroad, they should maintain the spirit of contributing to the development of their motherland. He urged the youth to showcase Uttarakhand’s best image through their work and conduct, wherever they live. Speaking on the topic of social harmony, Koshyari said that the caste system poses a serious challenge to society and the nation. All sections of society must come forward to eradicate it. He stated that a community lunch was organised in his village to promote social harmony, and people enthusiastically participated. He added that collective efforts are essential to free Uttarakhand from caste discrimination.
Chief Guest at the ceremony, State Cabinet Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat praised Padma Bhushan awardee Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s public life, social contributions, and the crucial role he played in Uttarakhand’s development. He stated that Koshyari’s life is an excellent example of public service, simplicity, and dedication, inspiring the new generation. Presiding over the event, Garhwal University Vice Chancellor Prof Shriprakash Singh stated that Bhagat Singh Koshyari embodies the values of simplicity, honesty, and public welfare in Indian politics. He added that, in present times, when moral values are discussed in politics, Koshyari’s personality stands out as a role model. His public life inspires youth and public representatives to work with dedication to society and the nation. He also spoke of the achievements of Garhwal University in the last one year. On this occasion, Director of Central Sanskrit University Shri Raghunath Kirti Campus, Devprayag, Prof PB Subramanyam, Director, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology Ghuddauri, Prof Vijay Banga, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Prof Ashutosh Sayana, Registrar of Garhwal University, Prof YP Raiwani, Registrar of NIT, Uttarakhand, Dr Hari Maul Azad, Dean, Student Welfare, Prof OP Gusain, Chairman of Felicitation Committee, Prof Dhan Singh Bisht, Prof MS Panwar and others were also present.
