CM Sukhu Offers Prayers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at Palampur, Discusses Vision for Osteopathy College in HP.
Palampur, Kangra:
In a significant spiritual and developmental event today, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu joined spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living (AOL), in offering prayers at the revered Panjpiri Sheetla Mata Temple in Gujrehda, near Palampur in the Kangra district. The Chief Minister, along with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, lit a ceremonial lamp in the newly constructed temple and sought blessings for the well-being of the state and its people.
In his address, CM Sukhu lauded Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his tireless global efforts in promoting peace, tolerance, and human values. “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is not just a spiritual teacher but a humanitarian leader who has united millions of people worldwide through his teachings and programs aimed at creating a stress-free, violence-free society,” said the Chief Minister. He further emphasized that the teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have inspired a new generation, helping them navigate the challenges of modern life while remaining grounded in human values.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the pride of Himachal Pradesh in hosting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ‘Kailash Ashram’ in the scenic Dhauladhar mountain range. “This Ashram will serve as a global spiritual center where people from around the world will come to rejuvenate their minds and bodies,” he added.
During his speech, CM Sukhu reflected on Himachal Pradesh’s spiritual significance as the ‘Devbhoomi’ (Land of Gods), noting that the state is home to countless deities and revered temples. In line with his government’s efforts to boost tourism, Sukhu announced plans to expand the Kangra Airport to accommodate more visitors, making it easier for people to travel to this sacred region. Additionally, he promised that the Gujrehda link road would be paved to ensure smoother access for devotees and followers of the Art of Living.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in his address, commended CM Sukhu for his deep religious convictions and his commitment to serving the people of Himachal Pradesh. The spiritual leader also remarked on the significance of the newly built Panjpiri Sheetla Mata Temple, which is strategically positioned facing the iconic Aadi Himani Chamunda Temple, further underscoring the region’s spiritual prominence.
“The deities are not distant, they reside within each one of us,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, emphasizing the importance of spiritual practice in everyday life.
Additionally, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed his desire to establish an Osteopathy College in Himachal Pradesh. This would provide local youth with an opportunity to learn and practice osteopathy, a modern and holistic approach to treatment that integrates the body’s structure and function. The initiative is aimed at offering sustainable livelihood opportunities to the youth while combining the best of traditional healing practices with modern scientific approaches.
“I believe that society must move forward by embracing both the new and the traditional,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, underlining the importance of education and innovation in improving the lives of local communities.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including 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, and Congress leader Devendra Jaggi, among others.
The visit marks another step in the ongoing collaboration between spiritual leadership and governmental efforts in enhancing the state’s tourism, spirituality, and education infrastructure.
