Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched a special train Monday,sending nearly 700 pilgrims from Harrawala Station in Dehradun to Somnath Temple in Veraval . Part of the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', this move connects devotees with their cultural and spiritual roots.
Dhami,at launch, wished pilgrims well, stressing the journey's deeper significance beyond religion. It's a chance to engage with India's cultural spirit and Sanatan Dharma. The group includes women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs),beneficiaries of government schemes, saints,and people from various backgrounds.
He praised the Culture Department for organizing, hoping for a safe,successful trip. Somnath Temple,one of twelve Jyotirlingas,stands as a symbol of India's resilience,surviving invasions and destruction attempts.
“Somnath Swabhiman Parv” offers national pride and cultural identity,Dhami said. He credited PM Narendra Modi for leading a cultural revival, restoring major temples like Ayodhya, Kedarnath,and Kashi Vishwanath, revitalizing heritage.
Temples, he noted, are not just worship sites but embody India's civilization and spiritual traditions . Neglected heritage sites now get deserved respect,reflecting a vision for a new India. Uttarakhand aims to be the spiritual capital of the world, with ongoing Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple projects.
Infrastructure upgrades like the Haridwar-Rishikesh and Sharda Corridors are underway . Uttarakhand launched a Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University to further Indian culture and philosophy .
Dhami stressed preserving cultural identity, mentioning anti-conversion and anti-riot laws as vital. Over 13,000 acres of government land have been reclaimed from encroachment,crucial for cultural sanctity. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims for equal laws for all.
Education reforms include sealing over 250 illegal madrasas and establishing the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority,replacing the Madrasa Board, to boost education in nation-building.
Dhami is confident of achieving development and preserving Sanatan culture in Uttarakhand with public support. He urged pilgrims to embody 'Atithi Devo Bhava'—guests as gods—during their travels .
He reminded them that visiting Somnath is not just personal but reflects Uttarakhand's spiritual consciousness and rich traditions. Dhami asked them to uphold the state's positive identity throughout the pilgrimage.
