PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
On the occasion of Vasant Panchami, a statue of Chakravarti Emperor Bharat was formally inaugurated at the historic and mythological site of Kanvashram in Kotdwar under Pauri district. The speaker of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly and Kotdwar MLA, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan unveiled the statue.
Importantly, Bharatvarsha or Bharat derived its name from the name of the legendary emperor who figured in the ancient texts like Mahabharata and Puranas as a mighty ruler having brought a large part of the subcontinent under him. Emperor Bharat is believed to have been born and brought up at the ashram under the guidance of the sage Kanva. The chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the gathering through a video message and highlighted the immense significance of Kanvashram.
Addressing the gathering, the speaker said that the inauguration had been carried out under an announcement made by the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 79.74 lakh, she said and added that the initiative would boost tourism and strengthen the cultural identity of the region. “Efforts are being made to give Kanvashram national and international recognition,” she noted.
To enhance the site’s appeal and attract more tourists, a selfie point and murals have also been developed around the statue. The inauguration coincided with the Kanvashram Festival, during which the renowned folk singer, Pritam Bharatwan presented cultural performances.
Braving the rainfall, a large number of people attended the programme.
