CM Dhami flags off Ahilya Smriti Marathon, emphasizes culture and development

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday flagged off the ‘Ahilya Smriti Marathon – Ek Virasat, Ek Sankalp’ from the Pavilion Ground in Dehradun.

After inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister actively participated in the marathon, highlighting the importance of such programs in promoting unity, awareness, and a healthy society.

“Such events bring awareness and unity, and create a healthy society,” CM Dhami said.

On May 27, CM Dhami also inaugurated the ‘Pratham’ Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025 held at Atal Utkrishta R.I.C. Gaja in Tehri. He offered prayers at the Ghantakarna Temple and paid tribute by garlanding the statue of state agitator Shaheed Belmati Chauhan. Congratulating the public on the occasion, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of festivals in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

“Such festivals provide unique support in taking forward the rich culture and tradition,” he said.

He described the Gaja Ghantakarna Temple as a significant mythological site, stating that it holds great tourism potential due to its scenic location from where both Haridwar and the Himalayas are visible.

“By organizing the festival, a new foundation of development is being laid here, which is a commendable effort to take forward the historically rich culture,” CM Dhami noted.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

“The Prime Minister's goal of developed India by the year 2047 will be fulfilled only when the village, panchayat, area, district, and Uttarakhand develop. The state government is striving for a resolution without any alternative, and no one can stop Uttarakhand from becoming the best state in India,” he asserted.

Highlighting national progress, Dhami said, “India's economy has come from 11th to fourth position, and by 2027, it will emerge as the third economy, and India will become a world leader and leader.”

He praised the ongoing cultural and infrastructural renaissance across the country, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

“Today, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India's culture and heritage is in Amritkaal. During this time, from the grand and divine temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya to Mahakal temple in Ujjain, master plan of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, reconstruction work in Kedarnath, all-weather road, many works are being done in remote rural areas like agriculture, horticulture, energy, promotion of cultural heritage, infrastructure etc,” CM Dhami stated.

Listing recent developmental initiatives in the region, he mentioned the establishment of a polytechnic in Gaja at a cost of ₹30 crore and the Henvalghati pumping drinking water scheme valued at ₹24 crore, along with various civic infrastructure projects.

“To strengthen the local economy, products of One District One Product, the House of Himalaya brand, are being manufactured. The excellent products made by the sisters associated with self-help groups skilled in skill development are leaving even foreign companies behind,” he said.

“Doors of possibilities are opening in many areas like farm machinery, Apple Mission, new tourism policy, new film policy, solar self-employment, tourism, and agriculture,” CM Dhami added.