Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday flagged off a special train from Harrawala Railway Station in Dehradun to Veraval (Somnath) on the occasion of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.
Extending his best wishes to the devotees, the Chief Minister said the journey is not merely a religious pilgrimage but also a powerful means of connecting people with the nation’s pride, cultural consciousness, and Sanatan traditions.
CM Dhami expressed happiness that nearly 700 devotees from different sections of society are participating in the six-day pilgrimage. The group includes women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes, members of the saint community, and representatives of different social organisations.
Appreciating the Culture Department for organising the initiative, the Chief Minister prayed to Lord Somnath and Baba Kedarnath for the safe, smooth, and successful journey of all the pilgrims.
He said the pilgrimage offers an opportunity to reconnect with India’s thousands-of-years-old Sanatan tradition, glorious heritage, and national pride. Referring to the Somnath Temple—one of the twelve Jyotirlingas -Dhami described it as a symbol of India’s unwavering faith, resilience, and spirit of revival.
Despite repeated invasions and destruction, he said, Somnath has demonstrated that India emerges stronger and more determined after every challenge. He added that the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ provides a unique opportunity to experience the country’s cultural heritage and national consciousness.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing an unprecedented cultural renaissance. He noted that the large-scale restoration and development of temples – from Ayodhya and Somnath to Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal, and Badrinath Dham – have infused new energy into the country’s cultural heritage.
He said temples are not merely places of worship but are the lifeline of India’s civilisation, culture, and spiritual traditions. He added that religious and cultural heritage sites that remained neglected for decades are now regaining the respect and recognition they deserve, reflecting the vision of a changing India.
CM Dhami said that, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, the Uttarakhand Government is continuously working to establish Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as the spiritual capital of the world. He said beautification and development works are underway across the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple circuits, along with the restoration of Yamuna Teerth at Haripur Kalsi.
Highlighting other key initiatives, the Chief Minister said major projects such as the Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor and the Sharda Corridor are progressing steadily. He also noted that the state has established a Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University to promote research and in-depth study of Indian culture, philosophy, and history.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the cultural values and original identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Dhami said the state has implemented anti-conversion and anti-riot laws.
He further said that more than 13,000 acres of government land have been freed from illegal encroachment, describing the exercise as not merely a land reclamation drive but also an effort to protect the cultural identity and sanctity of Devbhoomi.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, saying it ensures equal laws and equal justice for all citizens. Referring to reforms in the education sector, he said that more than 250 illegal madrasas have been sealed and the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been established in place of the Madrasa Board to strengthen education as an instrument of nation-building.
CM Dhami said the government’s vision is to build an Uttarakhand where modern development and Sanatan culture progress together. He expressed confidence that, with the blessings and support of the people, this vision would be realised.
Appealing to all pilgrims, the Chief Minister urged them to uphold and showcase the culture, values, and spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wherever they travel.
He said the devotees are not only visiting Somnath for darshan but are also ambassadors of Uttarakhand’s spiritual consciousness, rich traditions, and cultural heritage. He called upon them to strengthen the state’s positive identity through their conduct, behaviour, and values throughout the pilgrimage.
(DD News)
