PM Modi invites everyone to explore Himalayas as it offers spiritual pursuits, nature and water sports

Dehradun, October 20: The Himalayas have so much to offer- for spiritual pursuits, for the nature lover, for those interested in adventure, water sports. This was said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inviting everyone to come and explore the Himalayas after he laid the foundation stone for different reconstruction work including security wall near Shrine, Museum and Adi Shankracharya Samadhi at Kedarnath.

 

On this occasion, PM Modi firstly wished the people of country on the new year as the day after Diwali is being observed as the first day of the new year as per Hindu calendar in many parts of the country. Remembering the destruction during the floods in Uttarakhand, anguished PM Modi said that he offered his tribute to those who died during the floods.

"I was chief minister of a state then but I could not stop myself. When news of Gujarat government's assistance to develop Kedarnath spread that time, the Centre got disturbed and the state govt had to refuse Gujarat's assistance." But it was baba's wish that I am here now to lay the foundation of its reconstruction, PM Modi added.

Reiterating his government agenda of all-sided development, PM Modi said that the reconstruction plan has been made in keeping the interest of yatris, priests. The Prime Minister further noted that the reconstruction will be based on modern engineering but will also traditional thoughts. “While building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath, the traditional ethos will be preserved and we will ensure that environment is not damaged,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi referring to Sikkim said that the state government has taken full advantage of organic farming and exhorted Uttarakhand to do the same. PM Modi also said there are plenty of opportunities in the field of tourism and the state government must use all aspects to the fullest. PM Modi further stated that the Himalayas are endowed with rich natural products like medicinal herbs which should be exploited.

Earlier, in the day, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for different reconstruction work including security wall near Shrine, Museum and Adi Shankracharya Samadhi at Kedarnath. PM Modi also performed Pooja and sought blessings from Lord Shiva to fulfill the dreams of a developed India by 2022. Interestingly, PM Modi’s visit to Kedarnath comes ahead of its closure for the next six months.