Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today offered prayers at the Panjpiri Sheetla Mata Temple at Gujrehda, near Palampur in district Kangra, along with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living (AOL). He also lit a ceremonial lamp in the newly constructed temple and received blessings from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Praising Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Chief Minister stated that the spiritual Guru has been tirelessly working across the world to promote peace, tolerance, and human values in the society adding that he is a humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher, and an ambassador of peace. The vision of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of creating a stress-free, violence-free society has united millions of people around the Globe through services and programs offered by his foundation.
His thoughts and teachings have provided new inspiration to the younger generation. “It is a matter of pride for Himachal Pradesh that he has established the ‘Kailash Ashram’ in the lap of the Dhauladhar ranges, where disciples from around the globe will revitalize themselves with renewed energy,” said the Chief Minister.
Sh. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh was known as ‘Devbhoomi’ as it was home to countless deities. To promote tourism in the State, the Government is expanding the Kangra Airport to facilitate the people. He announced that the Gujrehda link road would be paved to ensure that followers of the Art of Living do not face any inconvenience while visiting the area.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, while appreciating the Chief Minister, said that being religious in his beliefs and actions, Sh. Sukhu has been blessed with an opportunity to serve the people of Himachal, popularly known as ‘Devbhoomi’. He highlighted that the grand Panjpiri Sheetla Mata Temple has been constructed directly facing the Aadi Himani Chamunda Temple and emphasized the importance of spiritual practice in one’s life. He added that the deities are not distant—they dwell within each of us.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also wished to establish an Osteopathy College in Himachal Pradesh, so that local youth may learn this modern system of treatment for sustainable livelihoods. He added that society must move forward by embracing both the new and the traditional.
HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, MLA Ashish Butail, Chief Minister’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (IT & Innovation) Gokul Butail, Vice-Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Development Bank Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman HP Wool federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, Congress leader Devendra Jaggi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.