Kiren Rijiju Calls Himalayas Symbol Of India’s Strength

In a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and Himalayan heritage, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday inaugurated the ‘Sparsh Himalaya Mahotsav 2025’ at Lekhak Gram in Dehradun, describing the Himalayas as the symbol of India’s strength, spirituality, and identity.

Our correspondent reports that the festival, themed “International Festival of Literature, Culture and Arts,” marked 25 years of Uttarakhand’s formation and 25 years of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision for Lekhak Gram. The event also witnessed the unveiling of a statue of Lord Dhanvantari, symbolising health, wisdom, and divinity.

Addressing the gathering, Rijiju said he felt a deep emotional connection with the Himalayas, being from Arunachal Pradesh himself. “The Himalayas are not just mountains; they are India’s eternal strength, spiritual anchor, and cultural identity,” he remarked to loud applause. He emphasised that India’s diversity and democratic ethos are its true strengths, uniting people across language, geography, and belief.

He lauded the developmental initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the expansion of infrastructure and road connectivity in border regions like Gunji, which he said had transformed lives and reinforced national security. “Our Constitution is the finest gift to democracy, representing our unity, compassion, and collective will,” he said.

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Our correspondent adds that Rijiju praised the Lekhak Gram initiative, calling it a living example of India’s cultural, literary, and ecological renaissance. He appreciated former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ for his efforts in transforming Lekhak Gram into a centre of creativity and Himalayan inspiration.

In his address, Dr Nishank welcomed Rijiju and said that the festival was dedicated both to Uttarakhand’s 25-year journey and to Vajpayee’s dream of Grameen Bharat — a self-reliant, culturally vibrant rural India. “This is not merely a literary celebration, but a reflection of Uttarakhand’s soul and India’s civilisational depth,” he said.

Acharya Balkrishna, CEO of Patanjali, highlighted the importance of ancient Indian knowledge traditions, Ayurveda, and the conservation of Himalayan ecology. Prof. Anil Sahasrabuddhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum, praised Lekhak Gram as a model that embodies the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) by integrating traditional wisdom with modern learning.

Prof. Somveer from Indonesia commended India’s role in strengthening democratic and parliamentary dialogue across the world and lauded the Swachh Bharat Mission as a global inspiration. Padma Shri Dr B.K. Sanjay of AIIMS Guwahati emphasised the role of Himalayan traditions in holistic wellness and environmental balance.

Spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj blessed the gathering and spoke about the importance of spirituality, service, and moral discipline in public life. Prof. Prithviraj, Vice President of the organising committee, honoured Dr Nishank for his contributions to Himalayan and cultural development.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, who expressed gratitude to Kiren Rijiju and said that his address had rekindled the emotional bond between the Himalayas and the people of India.

The festival was attended by distinguished writers, artists, scholars, and citizens from India and abroad. It showcased India’s literary depth, cultural heritage, and ecological consciousness, reaffirming the Himalayas’ timeless role as the cradle of India’s strength and spirituality.