CM Dhami attends Bhagwat Katha, touts Uttarakhand as spiritual capital
Synopsis
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended a grand saints' conference at Hari Seva Ashram on 22 June 2026, reaffirming the state's push to become the world's spiritual capital through the UCC, anti-conversion law, a Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University, and a new Oriental Research Institute in Haridwar.
Key Takeaways
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagya and Sant Sammelan at Hari Seva Ashram on 22 June 2026 .
Dhami described the sant community as the 'carrier of Indian culture and national consciousness' and praised Swami Harichetanand Ji Maharaj's ashram for its service work.
The Chief Minister cited the Uniform Civil Code (the first state-level UCC in independent India, passed in February 2024 ), the anti-conversion law , and land-use laws as pillars of the state's cultural protection agenda.
A Centre for Hindu Studies has been established at Doon University, Dehradun for research on Indian philosophy and civilisation.
A Prachya Shodh Sansthan (Oriental Research Institute) is being set up in Haridwar .
Dhami reaffirmed the state government's goal of positioning Uttarakhand as the 'spiritual capital of the world.'
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand attended the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagya evam Vishal Sant Sammelan (Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Knowledge Yajna and Grand Saints' Conference) organised at Hari Seva Ashram on Monday, 22 June 2026, where he felicitated revered saints and praised the ashram's work in service, values, and social awakening. The Chief Minister's Office of Uttarakhand shared the details of the event on X, highlighting Dhami's address on spiritual governance and cultural revival.
Context
CM Dhami declared at the event that Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is 'not merely a religious gathering, but a medium to connect humanity with spiritual consciousness, moral values, and the true purpose of life.' He described the sant community as the carrier of Indian culture and national consciousness, noting that saints and scholars have historically guided society and played a vital role in nation-building.
Dhami specifically thanked Swami Harichetanand Ji Maharaj and urged the sant community to continue providing guidance and blessings for the bright future of the state and the nation. Prominent attendees included former Chief Minister and former Union Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Legislative Assembly Speaker Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, and Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj and Pradeep Batra.
Policy Backdrop
Dhami linked the cultural event to a series of landmark policy decisions, stating that the state government is 'firmly resolved to protect the cultural identity, spiritual character, and Sanatan values of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.' He cited the state's strict anti-conversion law, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and land-use laws as concrete steps toward that goal.
Uttarakhand made history in February 2024 when it became the first state in independent India to pass a Uniform Civil Code at the state assembly level. The state had also strengthened its anti-conversion law in 2022, introducing stricter penalties for unlawful religious conversions. Dhami also highlighted ongoing efforts to free government land from encroachment and reinforce law and order.
At the national level, Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ushering in a 'new era of cultural renaissance,' pointing to the redevelopment of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, and Shri Kedarnath Dham as projects energising India's spiritual heritage.
Stakeholders and Impact
The Chief Minister announced two institutional initiatives aimed at anchoring these cultural priorities in academia. A Centre for Hindu Studies has been established at Doon University in Dehradun to conduct high-level study and research on Indian philosophy, culture, and civilisation, with a specific focus on connecting the younger generation to Sanatan traditions. A Prachya Shodh Sansthan (Institute of Oriental Research) is also being set up in Haridwar.
The sant community, state residents, and the youth of Uttarakhand are the primary stakeholders in these initiatives. For pilgrimage-dependent communities and spiritual tourism operators, the government's stated ambition of establishing Uttarakhand as the 'spiritual capital of the world' carries direct economic implications alongside its cultural dimension.
What's Next
The immediate focus will be on the operational rollout of the Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University and the Prachya Shodh Sansthan in Haridwar, both of which are in early stages. Enforcement updates on the UCC and land laws will also be closely tracked by policy observers and opposition groups. Dhami expressed confidence that 'with the blessings of saints and public cooperation, the resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country will certainly be fulfilled.'
Point of View
Anti-conversion law, and new academic institutions into a single spiritual-revival narrative, the administration is seeking to consolidate its base among both the sant community and urban Hindu voters. This mirrors a broader BJP-governed-state playbook that links temple corridor projects and social legislation to a governance brand of cultural assertiveness. The establishment of formal research centres for Hindu studies represents a newer institutional dimension of this strategy, one that attempts to give academic legitimacy to what has largely been a political and religious discourse.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centre for Hindu Studies at Doon University?
The Centre for Hindu Studies is a newly established academic unit at Doon University in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, set up to conduct high-level research and study on Indian philosophy, culture, and civilisation, with the aim of connecting the younger generation to Sanatan traditions.
What is the Prachya Shodh Sansthan in Haridwar?
The Prachya Shodh Sansthan, or Institute of Oriental Research, is a new institution being established in Haridwar by the Uttarakhand government to promote scholarly research on ancient Indian knowledge systems and culture.
Is Uttarakhand the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code?
Yes. Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to pass a Uniform Civil Code at the state assembly level, with the UCC Bill enacted in February 2024.
What did CM Dhami say about Uttarakhand becoming the spiritual capital of the world?
CM Dhami stated that the state government is continuously working to establish Uttarakhand as the 'spiritual capital of the world,' backed by policies including the UCC, anti-conversion law, land-use laws, and new cultural research institutions.
Who attended the Hari Seva Ashram Bhagwat Katha event with CM Dhami?
The event was attended by former Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Legislative Assembly Speaker Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj and Pradeep Batra, along with saints and other dignitaries.
