CM unveils Goddess Surkanda’s Jagar at ceremony in Doon
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Jul: Reasserting his government’s commitment to merit, transparency, and cultural heritage, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today unveiled the ‘Bhagwati Surkanda Maa Divya Jagar’ at a special ceremony organised by the Himalayan Heritage Society at the IRDT Auditorium in Dehradun. Addressing the gathering, Dhami emphasised that selection for government services in Uttarakhand will henceforth be based solely on merit, talent, and qualifications, assuring the state’s youth of a fair and just recruitment process. He encouraged aspiring candidates to prepare with full dedication, promising them a future shaped by their own efforts.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister provided updates on the ongoing Operation Kaalnemi, under which more than 60 disguised individuals have been arrested. He reaffirmed his government’s determination to protect the sacred identity of Devbhoomi, stating that the crackdown would continue vigorously during the holy month of Sawan and the Char Dham Yatra. He reiterated that uncompromising action against land jihad, love jihad, and ‘thook jihad’ shall persist without interruption. Dhami also highlighted the enactment of a strict land law, aimed at preventing arbitrary land acquisitions and discouraging the creation of unchecked land banks. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal was also present on the occasion.
During the unveiling of the Surkanda Jagar, composed and performed by celebrated Jagar singer Padma Shri Pritam Bhartwan, the Chief Minister praised the effort to revive spiritual folk traditions. He explained that Jagars are deeply rooted in Uttarakhand’s ancestral practices, serving as a powerful means of communication with nature, the mountains, and divine forces. Equating their significance with that of Vedic mantras, Dhami noted that Jagars are to be experienced — not merely recited — with each beat and syllable resonating with spiritual energy.
He hailed Maa Surkanda Devi as a living symbol of the state’s folk devotion, spiritual ethos, and cultural richness. Commending Bhartwan’s exceptional work in bringing her history to life through film and music, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that such endeavours would reconnect the younger generation with their heritage and instil pride in their roots.
Reaffirming his government’s cultural vision, Dhami stated that the Maa Surkanda Devi Temple, one of the revered 52 Shaktipeeths, has long been a repository of folk wisdom and devotion. The new cultural initiatives aim to preserve and promote this heritage through contemporary expressions.
Highlighting the synergy between development and tradition, Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the nation towards a balanced path of growth rooted in identity. He mentioned that under Modi’s guidance, major reconstruction projects are underway at Kedarnath and Badrinath Dhams, while work progresses steadily on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor and the Sharda Corridor.
He also shared that a ropeway has been introduced to facilitate easier access to the Surkanda Devi Temple, an effort to boost religious tourism and pilgrim comfort while respecting spiritual sanctity.
Among those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Pritam Bhartwan, and a large gathering of cultural enthusiasts and devotees.
