PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off a special train Yatra from Harrawala Railway Station, Dehradun to Veraval (Somnath) in Gujarat on Monday, The Yatra is being organised to commemorate the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Extending his best wishes to the pilgrims, Dhami said that it is not just a religious journey, but a powerful medium to connect with the nation’s self-respect, cultural consciousness and eternal traditions.
The CM said that it is a matter of great pleasure that about 700 devotees from various walks of life were participating in this special six-day pilgrimage. He commended the Culture department for this initiative and prayed to Lord Somnath and Baba Kedar for a safe, prosperous and pleasant journey for all pilgrims.
He said that this pilgrimage is an opportunity to connect with India’s thousands of years old eternal tradition, glorious heritage and national pride. Dhami said that the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolizes India’s unwavering faith, indomitable belief and resurgence. Despite numerous attacks and destruction, Somnath has given the message to the entire world that India moves forward with greater strength and determination after every challenge, he said.
Dhami said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is a special occasion to experience national consciousness and cultural pride. The CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is undergoing an unprecedented cultural renaissance. He said that the State government is working to establish Uttarakhand as the spiritual capital of the world. He added that in the field of education, reformative steps have been taken and more than 250 illegal Madaras have been sealed and the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been established in place of the Madrasa Board.
Local MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Mayor Dehradun Saurabh Thapliyal and others attended the programme.
