Haridwar, Jan 22 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Haridwar on Thursday and participate in several important religious, cultural, and social programmes.

The Home Minister arrived in Uttarakhand on Wednesday for his two-day visit. This is being seen as significant for the state, as it focuses on areas such as healthcare, spirituality, Indian culture, and social service, reflecting the government’s emphasis on holistic development rooted in tradition.

His first programme on Thursday will be at 10:00 a.m. at Maharshi Dayanand Gram in Patanjali Yogpeeth, where he will inaugurate the Patanjali Emergency and Critical Care Hospital.

The inauguration of this hospital is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare facilities in the region and ensure timely treatment for critically ill patients.

Following this, at 10:45 a.m., Amit Shah will reach Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj, where he will offer prayers at the Akhanda Jyoti and interact with members of the Gayatri Parivar. The visit highlights the spiritual and social influence of the Gayatri family in national life.

The Union Minister will also attend a large public programme at Bairagi Island, Haridwar, organised on the occasion of the birth centenary of Param Vandaniya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and the Akhanda Deep Centenary Year.

The ‘Centenary Year Celebration 2026’ is expected to witness participation from devotees and dignitaries from across India and abroad. Shah will address the gathering and commend the Gayatri Parivar for its enduring contributions to social reform and spiritual awakening.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Home Minister attended the release ceremony of the centenary edition of Kalyan at Gita Bhawan in Rishikesh.

He lauded the century-long legacy of Gita Press and its monthly magazine “Kalyan”, describing it as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and spiritual resurgence.

Addressing the gathering, HM Shah emphasised that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian culture is now being placed at the heart of national policies — a vision he said aligns perfectly with the timeless mission of Gita Press.

HM Shah paid glowing tributes to revered Hanuman Prasad Poddar, the “karmayogi” founder who dedicated his life to strengthening Sanatan Dharma through Gita Press for over a century.

“No one who cherishes Sanatan Dharma or seeks solutions in Indian culture can remain unaware of Gita Press,” HM Shah declared, noting that “Poddar Ji renounced worldly pursuits” to instil faith in Indian traditions across generations.

He also offered prayers at the Lakshminarayan Temple and to Maa Ganga, blending spiritual reverence with the day’s celebrations.

–IANS

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