Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagya and Sant Sammelan organised at Hari Seva Ashram in Raiwala, Dehradun, where he honoured saints and spiritual leaders and highlighted their contribution to preserving India's cultural and spiritual traditions. The event brought together religious scholars, saints and public representatives, with discussions centred on spirituality, cultural heritage and social development.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said that the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is much more than a religious discourse and serves as a powerful medium for connecting people with spiritual awareness, ethical values and the deeper purpose of life. He emphasised that such events play a significant role in promoting social harmony and strengthening the moral foundation of society through the teachings of Sanatan traditions.
The Chief Minister praised the saint community, describing saints and spiritual leaders as custodians of India's cultural heritage and national consciousness. He said that throughout history, saints, scholars and spiritual institutions have guided society during challenging times and made important contributions to nation-building. According to him, their teachings continue to inspire people to follow values of compassion, service and righteousness.
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Dhami also spoke about what he described as a period of cultural resurgence in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to projects such as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and the redevelopment of Kedarnath Dham, he said these initiatives have strengthened India's spiritual identity and renewed public interest in the country's ancient traditions and heritage.
Highlighting the Uttarakhand government's initiatives, the Chief Minister said efforts are being made to establish the state as a global centre for spirituality and cultural learning. He referred to measures such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, anti-conversion legislation and land-related reforms, which he said were aimed at preserving the state's cultural identity and traditional values. He also noted the government's focus on promoting awareness of Indian knowledge systems among younger generations.
Dhami further announced that a Centre for Hindu Studies has been established at Doon University to encourage academic research and understanding of Indian culture and traditions. He also said a Prachya Shodh Sansthan is being developed in Haridwar to support studies related to ancient Indian knowledge and heritage. Several dignitaries, including former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, Pradeep Batra and numerous saints, attended the event.
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