Ajmer/Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated the second floor of the All India Uttarakhand Dharamshala Ashram, Tirtharaj Pushkar, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. A large number of expatriate Uttarakhandis, local citizens, and representatives of various organizations attended the special program organized on this occasion.
Addressing the program, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that he first and foremost prostrates before Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and the author of the Vedas, who resides on the sacred land of Tirtharaj Pushkar. He expressed his great privilege and joy to be present on this austere land of Tirtharaj Pushkar.
In his address, the Chief Minister stated that religious texts describe Pushkar, Kurukshetra, Haridwar, Gaya, and Prayag as Panchtirthas. Among these, Pushkar, the place of Brahma’s sacrifice, is considered the guru of all pilgrimages. The Chief Minister said that Pushkar is not just a pilgrimage site but an eternal light of Sanatan culture that has always inspired humanity to follow the path of righteousness, austerity, sacrifice, and virtue.
He said that the virtuous journey of the Chardham Yatra is considered complete only when one bathes in the sacred lake of Tirtharaj Pushkar. The Chief Minister, becoming emotional, explained that perhaps it was this spiritual glory and aura that inspired his parents to name him “Pushkar.”
Chief Minister Dhami thanked the organizing committee and the expatriate Uttarakhandis and said that he felt not in Rajasthan but among his family members in Devbhoomi. He expressed confidence that this Dharamshala will become an important refuge for pilgrims in the future and further strengthen the cultural, spiritual, and social ties between Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
Cultural Renaissance under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Chief Minister said that today, under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Sanatan culture is establishing a new identity on the world stage. Initiatives like the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok, and the reconstruction of the Kedarnath-Badrinath shrines have elevated India’s spiritual heritage to new heights. He said that under the guidance of PM Modi, the Uttarakhand government is also working on several important projects, including the beautification of the Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple areas, the Shri Krishna Yamuna pilgrimage circuit, the Haridwar-Rishikesh corridor, and the Sharda corridor. The establishment of the Center for Hindu Studies at Doon University is also an important step in this direction.
Strong Steps to Protect Cultural Iconicity and Social Harmony
Chief Minister Dhami said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the center of faith and culture for the entire country. The state government has taken several important and tough decisions to protect the original form of this sacred land. Strict laws have been implemented against forced religious conversions. Strict action is being taken against hateful mindsets like land jihad, love jihad, and spit jihad. By implementing anti-riot laws, a system has been established to recover damages from the rioters themselves. Over 10,000 acres of land were freed by marking illegal encroachments on government land with green, blue, and yellow cloth. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was the first implemented in the country, ensuring equal legal system for all citizens. The Madrasa Board was abolished by implementing the new law in the state, making government-approved curriculum mandatory in all schools. Over 250 illegal madrasas were closed. Under “Operation Kalanemi,” strict action is underway against elements who disguise themselves and spread hypocrisy at religious sites. The Chief Minister stated that the state government’s objective is not to foster separatist thinking in Devbhoomi, but to establish temples of knowledge and culture.
Request to NRIs
The Chief Minister urged the Uttarakhandis present to always carry forward their state’s culture, identity, and the glorious traditions of their ancestors with pride, wherever they live. He said, “Our resolve is to make Uttarakhand the spiritual capital of the country. We are moving forward with the mantra of ‘Resolve without Options,’ and every Uttarakhandi will contribute to this with their dedication and hard work.”
Gratitude for support in the construction of the Ashram
The program also mentioned that the Uttarakhand government had provided a contribution of ₹1 crore for the construction of the Ashram, for which Chief Minister Dhami was heartily thanked. Present at the program were Omkar Singh Lakhawat, Chairman of the Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Authority and senior BJP leader, Suresh Singh Rawat, MLA and Honorable Minister of the Rajasthan Government, Lokbandhu, District Magistrate of Ajmer, S.S. Tadagi, President of the All India Uttarakhand Ashram, Rajendra Vyas, and a large number of expatriate Uttarakhandis and local administration officials.
