Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Participates in Chhath Puja Celebrations Organized by Purvanchal Seva Samiti in Khatima

Khatima, Oct 2025 — Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Surya Shashti Vrat Mahotsav (Chhath Puja) organized by the Purvanchal Seva Samiti at Sanjay Railway Park, Khatima. On the occasion, he offered arghya (prayers) to the setting sun and prayed for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of the state and its people.

Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami congratulated the office bearers of Purvanchal Seva Samiti for organizing such a grand and sacred event. He said, “This auspicious festival symbolizes the radiant tradition of our Sanatan culture, where faith, discipline, penance, and gratitude toward nature come together harmoniously. Chhath Puja is not just a religious ritual but a celebration of life’s values and deep-rooted family traditions. It reminds us of the importance of nature and the environment.”

He added that the Chhath Mahaparv is a testimony to India’s great culture—unique in that devotees offer prayers to both the rising and setting sun. The festival, he said, is celebrated with immense devotion by people of all regions and communities—from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand—reflecting India’s unity in faith and tradition.

Highlighting India’s growing spiritual and cultural resurgence, CM Dhami said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the glory of India’s development and Sanatan culture is being recognized worldwide. Inspired by his guidance, our government is committed to the holistic development of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.”

Calling Khatima his home, the Chief Minister said he shares a special bond with the region: “I began my journey of public service here. Every street and village of this area is close to my heart.” He added that the government has taken several significant steps to strengthen healthcare, education, drinking water supply, and basic infrastructure in Khatima.

The Chief Minister listed major development initiatives, including the construction of a hi-tech bus stand, modern ITI and Polytechnic College, and a new 100-bed hospital complex. He also announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art national-level sports stadium to nurture youth talent and promote sports.

To enhance connectivity, projects such as the Gadarpur and Khatima bypass, a new bridge at Nausar, and an extensive road network across the region have been initiated. Additionally, a grand military memorial between Khatima and Tanakpur has been approved, with work set to begin soon.

He further announced the introduction of M.Com and M.Sc classes at the Government Degree College, Khatima, and the operationalization of an Eklavya School in the tribal-dominated area. “There will be no shortfall in Khatima’s development,” he assured.

CM Dhami noted that the state’s efforts toward inclusive growth have earned Uttarakhand the top rank in the NITI Aayog’s SDG Index Report for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The state has also emerged as a leader in employment generation, achieving a record 4.4% reduction in unemployment within a year—better than the national average.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural values and demographic harmony, CM Dhami said, “We have taken strict action against harmful ideologies such as land jihad, love jihad, and other divisive tendencies.” He highlighted the enactment of strong anti-riot and anti-conversion laws, as well as firm measures against illegal encroachments.

Under the government’s crackdown, more than 9,000 acres of encroached state land have been reclaimed, over 250 illegal madrasas sealed, and more than 500 unauthorized structures removed. He also mentioned the launch of ‘Operation Kaalnemi’, aimed at taking strong action against those attempting to malign Sanatan Dharma through hypocrisy and deceit.

The Chief Minister emphasized several historic reforms undertaken in recent years — including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to promote social harmony and the enactment of a strict anti-cheating law that has led to transparent recruitment of over 26,000 youth.

“Our government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption,” CM Dhami said, adding that over the past four years, more than 200 corrupt officials have been sent behind bars. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to make Devbhoomi Uttarakhand the best-performing state in India.

He concluded, “With the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya Narayan, and the support of all of you, I am confident that our vision for a prosperous and leading Uttarakhand will surely be realized.”

The program was also addressed by District Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya and Municipal Council Chairman Ramesh Chandra Joshi, who extended greetings on the occasion of Chhath Mahaparv.

Among those present were District Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya, Municipal Chairman Ramesh Chandra Joshi, Minister of State Farzana Begum, former MLA Dr. Prem Singh Rana, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, SSP Manikant Mishra, VC Jaikishan, CDO Divesh Shashni, ADM Kaustubh Mishra, SP City Dr. Uttam Singh Negi, SDM Tushar Saini, along with several officials, public representatives, and local residents.

(Issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations)