Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): A new chapter in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand was written on Monday as Governor Lt. General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami jointly inaugurated the “Bhagirath Udyan” at the Raj Bhavan in Dehradun. The inauguration also marked the ceremonial unveiling of a striking statue of King Bhagirath, a revered figure in Indian mythology known for his perseverance and dedication to public good.
The 10-foot-tall statue, set atop an 8-foot granite base, was sculpted by Shivam Chaurasia, an artist from Haridwar. Crafted from fibre and resin, the artwork stands as a symbolic tribute to King Bhagirath’s legendary efforts to bring the sacred Ganga to Earth.
Speaking at the event, Governor Singh described the statue as more than just a tribute — calling it “a living source of inspiration.” He highlighted the spiritual and symbolic elements embedded in the statue’s design, including motifs of stars, temples, and mountains that, according to him, reflect the convergence of nature and divinity in the pursuit of collective welfare.
“The alignment of nature and divine forces,” said the Governor, “reminds us that when our intentions are rooted in the greater good, the universe aligns to support us.”
Chief Minister Dhami echoed the sentiment, noting that the statue represents the virtues of commitment, duty, and service to society. “This monument will serve as a constant reminder that only through Bhagirath-like dedication can monumental goals be achieved,” he said, adding that the garden would become a source of inspiration for every citizen and visitor alike.
The “Bhagirath Udyan” is not just a landscaped garden—it also features a rich variety of flora, creating a serene and reflective space within the Raj Bhavan campus. The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate cultural heritage and ecological awareness into public spaces.
Before the inauguration, both the Governor and the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Rajpragneshwar Mahadev Temple situated within the premises, seeking blessings for the state’s peace and prosperity.
In a separate message earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dhami extended his greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri. Emphasizing the spiritual significance of the festival, he said that the worship of Goddess Durga’s nine forms reflects the strength and vital role of women in society. “Navratri is a celebration of our rich traditions and the divine feminine power that sustains and nurtures our world,” he remarked.
With the inauguration of Bhagirath Udyan and the unveiling of the statue, Uttarakhand takes another step towards honoring its cultural icons while fostering an environment that blends heritage with nature.
