Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off a special train to Veraval (Somnath) from Harrawala Railway Station, here, on Monday to commemorate the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”.
On this occasion, he extended his best wishes to the pilgrims participating in the Yatra, describing it as not just a religious journey, but a powerful medium to connect with the nation’s self-respect, cultural consciousness, and eternal traditions.
The Chief Minister expressed his happiness that approximately 700 devotees from various sections of the state are participating in this special six-day Yatra. These include mothers and sisters associated with self-help groups, beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, seers, and representatives from various sections of society. He commended the Culture Department for this initiative and prayed to Lord Somnath and Baba Kedar for a safe, secure, and pleasant journey for all the pilgrims.
The Chief Minister said that this Yatra is an opportunity to connect with India’s thousands of years-old eternal tradition, glorious heritage, and national self-respect. He said that the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolises India’s unwavering faith, unwavering belief, and resurgence. Despite numerous attacks and destruction, Somnath has given the world the message that India moves forward with greater strength and determination after every challenge. He said that the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is a special occasion to instill a sense of nationalism and cultural pride.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is undergoing an unprecedented cultural renaissance. The extensive restoration and development of temples from Ayodhya to Somnath, Kedarnath to Kashi Vishwanath, and Mahakal to Badrinath Dham is injecting new energy into India’s cultural consciousness. He said that temples are not merely centres of worship but are the lifeline of Indian civilisation, culture, and spiritual tradition. Religious and cultural heritage sites that were neglected for a long time are now regaining respect and dignity, which presents a new picture of a changing India.
The Chief Minister said that, inspired by the Prime Minister, the Uttarakhand government is also working tirelessly to establish Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as the spiritual capital of the world. He said that work is underway to beautify the temple areas of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand, as well as to restore the Yamuna Tirtha at Haripur Kalsi. In addition, important projects such as the Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor and the Sharda Corridor are also being advanced. He added that a “Centre for Hindu Studies” has been established in Doon University to promote in-depth study and research of Indian culture, philosophy, and history.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is working with full commitment to protect the cultural values and original identity of Uttarakhand. For this purpose, anti-conversion laws and anti-riot laws have been implemented in the state. He added that more than 13,000 acres of government land has been freed under the campaign against illegal encroachment, which is not merely a campaign to free land from encroachment but an effort to protect the cultural identity and sanctity of Devbhoomi.
The Chief Minister stated that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state has ensured equal law and equal justice for all citizens. He added that reformative steps have also been taken in the field of education, sealing more than 250 illegal madrasas and establishing the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority in place of the Madrasa Board, so that education can become an effective medium for nation-building.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government’s goal is to create a Uttarakhand where both modern development and eternal culture progress equally. He expressed confidence that with the support and blessings of the public, this resolve will surely be realised.
He urged all pilgrims going on the pilgrimage to represent the culture, values, and spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” of Uttarakhand wherever they go. He said that all pilgrims are not only going to visit Somnath through this pilgrimage, but are also representatives of Uttarakhand’s spiritual consciousness, rich traditions, and cultural values. He called upon everyone to strengthen the state’s positive identity through their conduct, behaviour, and thoughts.
MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Mayor, Dehradun, Saurabh Thapliyal, other public representatives, and a large number of local citizens were present on this occasion.
