PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Former chief minister Harish Rawat stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has forgotten the State song, which he considers an injustice to the spirit of Uttarakhand. He said this during the “Anniversary Programme of the State Song of Uttarakhand,” organised by the Congress here on Friday.
He emphasised that Uttarakhand received its State song (Uttarakhand Devabhumi-Matruibhumi), which contributes to its identity, 15 years after its formation. He said that this song does not belong to any one government but to the entire State. However, he accused the BJP government of forgetting it due to their narrow political thinking and desire for credit.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ganesh Godiyal stated, “Suppressing the State song is essentially suppressing Uttarakhand’s cultural consciousness. The current government wants to bury every symbol associated with the state’s identity. This song does not glorify any party, so why does the State government object to it? Is the identity of Uttarakhand limited only to election slogans?”
Famous folk singer Narendra Singh Negi said, “I composed this song for my state. I didn’t take a single rupee from the government for it, as it was a service to my motherland. However, the way this song has been neglected is extremely sad and unfortunate. I am personally deeply hurt by this disregard for the State song.” He also sang the first two lines of the State.
Additionally, Congress spokesperson Abhinav Thapar said that Congress makes it clear that the State song belongs not to any party, but to all of Uttarakhand. Ignoring it is an offense against the soul of Devbhoomi, which will not be tolerated.
The organisers said that the State song embodies Uttarakhand’s cultural identity, public consciousness and the essence of the land of gods, yet it is facing government neglect. The song was dedicated on February 6, 2016 by the then CM Rawat. The song features lyrics by renowned lyricist Hemant Bisht from Nainital, with music direction and vocals by Narendra Singh Negi and Anuradha Nirala. Noted literary personality Laxman Singh Batrohi chaired the committee that selected the state song.
