DE (Special Correspondent): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Pithoragarh on a one-day tour on Friday, where he inaugurated the historic Jauljibi Mela before heading to his ancestral village of Tundi-Barmaun with his mother. This marks his first visit to the village since becoming Chief Minister, an occasion brimming with emotion. Upon reaching the small hamlet in the Kanalichina area, locals gave him a traditional welcome, while CM Dhami immersed himself in childhood memories.
Holding his mother’s hand, the Chief Minister strolled along the village’s winding paths, warmly interacting with residents. He performed prayers at the local Brahmachari Dev Temple, seeking prosperity and well-being for the state. After the rituals, he joined a community feast, partaking in prasad and spending quality time with villagers. During the visit, elders affectionately addressed him by his childhood nickname, a heartwarming moment that touched onlookers. Videos going viral on social media capture CM Dhami in prayer at the temple, with poignant moments alongside his mother frozen in time.
A Journey Back to Childhood
Upon arriving in the village, Dhami openly shared his feelings. “Reaching Tundi-Barmaun in my ancestral Kanalichina region with my mother was an intensely emotional moment for me. This is the very village where I spent my childhood, took my first steps to school, and where the village’s affection, culture, and traditions shaped my personality,” he said. He added, “The moment I arrived, the elders’ loving blessings and the boundless love from the womenfolk filled my heart with emotions. Even in this meeting, several elders called me by my childhood name—it’s hard to encapsulate this sense of belonging in words. In the smiles of the children and youth, all those memories came alive again, the ones that taught me values and inspired me to move forward.”
Dhami did not view the village merely as a geographical spot but as the root of his identity. “During this meeting, every face felt familiar, every courtyard brimmed with memories, and every step seemed to traverse the lanes of my childhood. Tundi-Barmaun is not just a village for me—it’s my roots, my values, and my identity,” he remarked. This statement has gone viral on social media, with thousands of users reposting it.
In line with national initiatives, CM Dhami planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign during the visit, symbolizing his commitment to environmental conservation alongside cultural reverence.
Focus on Village Development
Throughout the tour, Dhami emphasized village development. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, he stated, “Every Uttarakhand resident must renovate their ancestral homes in their native villages. Those living outside the villages must contribute to their development. Migrant brothers and sisters can play a pivotal role in village progress.” This appeal is serving as fresh inspiration for the state’s diaspora community, especially as migration remains a major challenge in Uttarakhand.
The Jauljibi Mela in Pithoragarh district, a symbol of cultural unity between India and Nepal, was inaugurated by Dhami in the morning. Thousands attended the event, featuring exhibitions of local products and handicrafts. This tour not only highlighted the CM’s deep connection to his roots but also delivered a strong message on rural revival. Promoting such visits by state leaders could pave the way for the rejuvenation of ancestral villages.
