Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off a special train from Dehradun for ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’. 700 devotees are going to Somnath by this train. CM said that this six-day journey is a way to connect with the country’s pride and eternal traditions.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off a special train for Veraval (Somnath) from Harrawala Railway Station in Dehradun on the occasion of ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.
Greeting the devotees on Monday, the Chief Minister said that this yatra is not just a religious pilgrimage, but a powerful medium to connect with the country’s pride, cultural consciousness and eternal traditions.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness over the fact that around 700 devotees from different sections of the society are taking part in this six-day pilgrimage. This group includes women associated with Self Help Groups (SHGs), beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the government, members of Sant Samaj and representatives of various social groups.
Journey of National Pride and Faith
Appreciating this initiative of the Culture Department, he prayed to Lord Somnath and Baba Kedarnath for the safe, pleasant and successful journey of all the pilgrims. Dhami said that this pilgrimage provides an opportunity to reconnect with India’s thousands of years old eternal tradition, glorious heritage and national pride.
Referring to Somnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, he described it as a symbol of India’s unwavering faith, fighting spirit and revival. He said that despite repeated attacks and destruction, Somnath has shown the world that India emerges stronger after every challenge. He further said that ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ provides a unique opportunity to experience national consciousness and cultural pride.
Cultural renaissance under the leadership of PM Modi
The Chief Minister said that the country is witnessing an unprecedented cultural renaissance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that from Ayodhya and Somnath to Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal and Badrinath Dham, large-scale restoration and development of temples has injected new energy into the cultural heritage of India.
He said that temples are not just places of worship, but are the lifeline of India’s civilization, culture and spiritual traditions. He further said that religious and cultural heritage sites that were ignored for decades are now getting the respect and recognition they deserve. This reflects the thinking of changing India.
Uttarakhand: Towards becoming a spiritual capital
Dhami said that taking inspiration from the thinking of the Prime Minister, the Uttarakhand government is continuously working to establish Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as the spiritual capital of the world. He informed that beautification and development work is going on in Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple circuits. Along with this, Yamuna Tirtha in Haripur Kalsi is also being renovated.
He also highlighted the progress of big projects like Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor and Sharda Corridor.
Apart from this, he said that the Center for Hindu Studies has been established in Doon University to promote research and deep study on Indian culture, philosophy and history.
Commitment to save the identity of ‘Devbhoomi’
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is fully committed to maintaining the cultural values and original identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He said that in this direction the government has implemented anti-conversion and anti-riot laws.
He further said that more than 13,000 acres of government land has been freed from illegal encroachment. He described this campaign as not just an exercise to take back the land, but an effort to protect the cultural identity and sanctity of Devbhoomi. He also said that Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has been implemented in the state to ensure equal law and equal justice for all citizens.
Referring to the reforms in the education sector, he said that more than 250 illegal madrassas have been closed and Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been established in place of Madrassa Board, so that education can be made a strong means of nation-building.
Brand Ambassador of Pilgrim Uttarakhand
Dhami said that the vision of the government is to create such an Uttarakhand, where modern development and Sanatan culture move forward together. He expressed confidence that this vision will definitely be achieved with the blessings and support of the people.
Appealing to all the pilgrims, the Chief Minister urged them to represent the culture, values and spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wherever they go.
He said that devotees are not just visiting Somnath for darshan, but they are also brand ambassadors of Uttarakhand’s spiritual consciousness, rich traditions and cultural heritage. He appealed to the pilgrims to strengthen the positive identity of the state through their conduct, behavior and values during their visit.