Journo Manoj Ishtwal’s book on Kanvashram released at ceremony in Kotdwar
Garhwal Post Bureau
Kotdwar (Pauri Garhwal), 20 Jul: A grand honour ceremony was organised in Kotdwar on Sunday, at which senior journalist Manoj Ishtwal’s book on historical and cultural significance of Kanvashram was also unveiled. The Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly, Ritu Bhushan Khanduri, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, Mayor Shailendra Rawat and Lieutenant General JS Negi jointly released senior journalist Manoj Ishtwal’s research-based book ‘Kanvashram – Bharat se Bharatvarsh’.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj described the book as a milestone in bringing forth the nation’s glorious past. He emphasised that the history of Kanvashram is directly linked to the identity of Bharatvarsh. He said the research would help the younger generation reconnect with their roots. He further added that Kanvashram is not merely Uttarakhand’s heritage but the origin site of the country’s identity, and the tourism department is committed to developing it into a global cultural tourism circuit based on the evidence presented in the book.
Assembly Speaker and local MLA Ritu Khanduri Bhushan expressed deep emotion, stating that the proud history of Kotdwar and Kanvashram fills every Uttarakhandi with pride. She assured that legislative and ground-level efforts would be made to revive and develop Kanvashram’s historical character. Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi also praised the book and described it as a document for the future generations.
It may be reminded here that the book sheds light on the ancient grandeur of Kanvashram, the birthplace of Emperor Bharat, after whom the nation was named. Kanvashram is located near Kotdwar, around 14 kms away from Kotdwar city. Speaking to Garhwal Post. Manoj Ishtwal said that he has compiled the work after years of rigorous research, drawing upon ancient texts, archaeological evidence and local folklore. The narrative explains how Bharat’s story is linked to the Mahabharata era and how this site became the cultural foundation of Bharatvarsh. The dignitaries present on stage lauded the author’s efforts.
Many eminent citizens were present on this occasion including ex-servicemen and intellectuals of the region, who hailed the book as a matter of pride for the area. They noted that the work is not merely a literary creation but the result of decades of painstaking research. The book highlights the neglect faced by Kanvashram due to governmental apathy and historical oversight, raising the question of whether the Archaeological Survey of India will play its role in preserving this invaluable heritage. Manoj Ishtwal’s book reminds the readers of the forgotten splendour of Kanvashram and at the same time also reminding the nation of its cultural roots and the legacy of Bharat, whose name continues to define India today.
