Dhami pays tribute to VHP leader, highlights his role in Ram Janmabhoomi movement and stresses preservation of India's cultural heritage
Dehradun, October 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday participated in the inaugural programme of the birth centenary year of Ashok Singhal, organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the Government Doon Medical College Auditorium in Patel Nagar, Dehradun.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a special issue of the VHP magazine Vishwa Hindu dedicated to Singhal.
Paying tribute to the late leader, Dhami said Singhal had devoted his entire life to serving the nation, preserving Indian culture and mobilising society. He said Singhal's ideas and contributions continued to inspire society even after his lifetime.
The Chief Minister noted that despite holding important responsibilities, Singhal led a life marked by simplicity, humility and a spirit of service. A person's true worth, he said, was reflected not in their position or status but in their principles, conduct and contributions to society. Singhal's life would continue to inspire future generations to fulfil their responsibilities towards the nation and society, he added.
Ashok Singhal's role in Ram Janmabhoomi movement
Dhami said Singhal's contribution to transforming the Ram Janmabhoomi movement into a mass movement would always be remembered. From the first Dharma Sansad held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi in 1984 to expanding the movement across the country, his efforts had played a significant role, he said.
Singhal travelled extensively across India to bring saints, religious leaders and different sections of society together around a common objective, the Chief Minister added.
According to Dhami, Singhal regarded the ideals of Lord Shri Ram as the foundation of Indian society's values. He said principles such as dignity, service, sacrifice and dedication to duty were essential for building a strong, cultured and harmonious society.
The Chief Minister described the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership as a significant milestone for India's faith and cultural consciousness. He said it was deeply moving to imagine the happiness and spiritual satisfaction Singhal would have experienced had he been alive to witness the temple in its present form.
Government highlights social harmony and legal reforms
Dhami said social harmony, equality and respect for every citizen's rights were essential for strengthening the nation and society. In keeping with these principles, the Uttarakhand government had implemented the Uniform Civil Code, with the stated objective of strengthening a common legal framework and promoting equal rights.
He also referred to the state's anti-conversion and anti-riot laws, saying they were intended to maintain law and order, protect citizens and safeguard communal harmony. The government, he said, was committed to taking strict action in accordance with the law against religious conversions involving alleged deception, coercion or inducement, as well as activities that threaten public peace.
The Chief Minister said the government was continuing efforts to remove encroachments from public land, protect and promote cattle, and preserve Uttarakhand's cultural identity. Safeguarding public property, ensuring effective enforcement of laws and maintaining a peaceful environment remained among the government's priorities, he added.
Focus on youth and Indian cultural values
Dhami said Singhal envisioned an India where young people would receive modern education while remaining connected to their traditions, values and national responsibilities.
Describing youth as a nation's greatest asset, he said the state government was working to keep young people away from substance abuse and channel their potential towards nation-building through education, sports, employment and other constructive activities.
The establishment of the Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University was another important initiative in this direction, he said. The centre encourages the study of India's knowledge traditions, philosophy, culture and spiritual heritage.
Dhami stressed the importance of enabling younger generations to understand their cultural roots, recognise their significance and help pass this heritage on to future generations.
Development of religious and pilgrimage sites
Highlighting Uttarakhand's spiritual traditions, ancient temples and rich cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said the state government was working to preserve these assets while improving facilities for devotees at religious destinations.
He referred to the Kedarkhand Temple Circuit Mission and the Manaskhand Temple Circuit Mission, along with projects such as the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, Sharda Corridor and Golju Corridor, which aim to develop major religious and cultural centres.
These initiatives would expand facilities at pilgrimage destinations while strengthening Uttarakhand's cultural identity, he said.
Dhami also referred to the inauguration of a bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna at Haripur-Kalsi, where a 21-foot-tall statue of Maa Yamuna has been installed. Plans to construct a temple dedicated to Maa Yamuna and a temple of Lord Shri Krishna in the area were also being advanced, he said.
Preparations underway for Haridwar Kumbh
The Chief Minister said the Kumbh Mela scheduled to be held in Haridwar next year would be a major celebration of Sanatan culture, Indian faith and ancient religious traditions.
He said the significance of Kumbh extended beyond a religious gathering, as it also represented India's cultural unity and spiritual heritage.
The state government was strengthening arrangements to ensure that the event was conducted with enhanced standards of grandeur, spiritual significance and safety. The aim was to provide every devotee with better facilities and ensure a comfortable, safe and spiritually enriching experience, Dhami said.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said Singhal's life offered lessons in placing national interest above all else, preserving cultural values and discharging social responsibilities with dedication.
He said the most meaningful tribute during Singhal's birth centenary year would be to put his ideals into practice.
Dhami added that every citizen should contribute towards realising Singhal's vision of an undivided, secure and self-respecting India. Inspired by his ideals, the Uttarakhand government would continue working to strengthen the state's cultural identity, bring positive changes to people's lives and build a better state, he said.
VHP Vice-President Champat Rai, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj, revered saints, VHP office-bearers and workers, and other dignitaries attended the programme.
