Rishikesh, May 29 (IANS) BJP President Nitin Nabin and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday took part in Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. On the occasion, both leaders prayed for the happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health of the citizens.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, BJP President Nabin said that visiting the sacred banks of the Ganga river always brings a deeply spiritual and emotional experience. He stated that the Ganga is not merely a river, but a living stream of Indian culture, faith, and ‘Sanatan’ tradition, which has nourished the spiritual consciousness of the country for centuries.

He said: “India’s ‘tradition of saints’ has always guided the society during difficult and adverse times. Whenever the nation faced social, cultural, or ideological challenges, saints and sages provided new energy and direction to society through their penance, sacrifice, and wisdom.”

“India’s tradition of spirituality, culture, and moral values has remained alive in the hearts of people for centuries, and the seers have played a vital role in carrying this great legacy forward from generation to generation,” Nabin added.

The BJP chief further said that even today, India’s cultural strength and spiritual consciousness continue to attract the world. He described Uttarakhand as the soul of ‘Sanatan’ culture, from where spiritual inspiration flows to the entire country.

“Preserving the Ganga, saint traditions, and Indian culture is not only a religious responsibility but also a moral duty towards future generations,” he emphasised.

President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, welcomed Chief Minister Dhami and other guests and highlighted the messages of Ganga conservation, environmental protection, and service to humanity.

He said: “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is continuously reaching new heights globally, and decisions taken in the national interest have enhanced the country’s prestige worldwide.”

Describing Uttarakhand as the “land of divinity, discipline, and spiritual confluence”, Chidanand Saraswati praised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for his work. He also highlighted the global significance of the Ganga and Indian culture.

The event was attended by Juna Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanand Giri, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri, BJP MP Anil Baluni, Rajya Sabha MP and State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, BJP MLA Renu Bisht, along with various officials, saints, devotees, and tourists from India and abroad.

–IANS

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