Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 May: request has been made by the social organisation, Jan Jagran Abhiyan Samiti, to confer the nation’s highest civilian honour, the “Bharat Ratna”, on former Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Maj General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (Retd), in recognition of his ‘historic and outstanding contributions’.
In this regard, letters have been sent to the President of India, Vice President of India, Prime Minister, Home Minister, as well as the Governor and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, requesting their support.
It may be noted that, under the leadership of the organisation’s Founder-President Swapnil Sinha, a five-member delegation met Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, and inquired about the health of former Chief Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri. During the meeting, the organisation also apprised the Speaker of its efforts to secure the “Bharat Ratna” for Khanduri in recognition of his ‘historic and exceptional service’.
On this occasion, Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan appreciated the initiative of the organisation and said that Khanduri’s entire life has been dedicated to the service of the nation. She stated that he fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to him by the government and the party with complete dedication and excellence. As his daughter, she had the opportunity to spend the most time with him, and therefore can confidently say that he is a visionary leader with long-term thinking. She also mentioned that she has heard numerous inspiring stories about his time in the army from his old friends, which is a matter of great pride for her as a daughter. She further said that she deeply respects the sentiments and efforts of the organisation.
Meanwhile, Swapnil Sinha, stated that the organisation can never forget Khanduri’s invaluable contributions to the nation and to Uttarakhand. He said that Khanduri’s tenures in the Indian Army, as a Union Minister, and as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand have been historic. He took several landmark decisions in the interest of the state. In his efforts to eliminate corruption, he established the first Lokayukta, thereby earning a special place in the hearts of the people of the state.
He added that Khanduri’s health is not in good condition at present, and in such circumstances, the organisation is making sincere efforts to ensure that he is honoured with the nation’s highest civilian award, the “Bharat Ratna,” for his unparalleled contributions to the country and Uttarakhand.
On this occasion, Patron Dr Rajesh Dobhal, Secretary Vivek Srivastava, Deputy Pramod Belwal, and Member Dr Monica Koshwal were also present.
