Rudrapur: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the contribution of the Punjabi and Sikh community to nation-building and the development of the Terai region at the Punjabi Gaurav Sammelan in Rudrapur on Thursday.
Dhami and BJP national president Nitin Nabin attended the event, where representatives of the Sikh community honoured the chief minister with a siropa.
The chief minister described the gathering as a reflection of Punjabi traditions, culture, courage, service and patriotism. He said the teachings and lives of Sikh Gurus form an important part of India’s cultural heritage.
Sikh Community’s Role in Terai Development
Dhami said the Punjabi and Sikh community had contributed to the country’s development through agriculture, industry, trade and public service.
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He particularly highlighted the community’s role in the development of Uttarakhand’s Terai region and its contribution to the area’s economy.
The chief minister also referred to several measures taken by the Union government concerning Sikh religious institutions, traditions and historical issues, including:
- Development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
- Exemption of langar from certain taxes.
- Permission for Sri Harmandir Sahib to receive foreign contributions.
- Observance of Veer Bal Diwas.
- Bringing sacred saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan to India.
- Steps concerning families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project
Dhami also highlighted Uttarakhand‘s religious and cultural links with the Sikh community, referring to Hemkund Sahib and Reetha Sahib as important sites associated with the state’s heritage.
He referred to the Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeway project. The Union Cabinet approved the 12.4-km ropeway in March 2025 under the National Ropeways Development Programme–Parvatmala Pariyojana, at an approved capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.
The project will connect Govindghat to Ghangaria over 10.55 km and Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib over 1.85 km. According to the Union government’s project details, it is designed to carry up to 11,000 passengers per day.
Partition Horrors Memorial Site
Dhami said the Uttarakhand government was also working towards developing a Partition Horrors Memorial Site to commemorate people who lost their lives and belongings during the Partition of 1947.
He said the state government was giving priority to law and order and social harmony, while urging young people to draw inspiration from the teachings of Sikh Gurus and remain connected with their culture and heritage.
Tourism Director General Amrit Abhijat said the proposed initiatives would bring together important locations associated with the Sikh community and strengthen Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural tourism offerings.
