Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his birth anniversary at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, honouring the former leader’s contribution to public service, nation-building and democratic values.
The Chief Minister offered flowers at Pant’s statue and remembered the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. A large number of members of the Uttarakhand community attended the programme, along with Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and other dignitaries.
Later, a joint birth anniversary celebration of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant and noted poet and cultural activist Girish Tiwari ‘Girda’ was organised at the Bharat Ratna Govind Ballabh Pant Pahari Sanskritik Upvan on Birbal Sahni Marg. The programme was held under the leadership of Upvan Coordination Committee president Ganesh Chandra Joshi and witnessed participation from prominent members of the Uttarakhand community residing in Lucknow.
Committee coordinator T.S. Manral, secretary Mangal Singh Rawat and members K.N. Chandola, Diwan Singh Adhikari, Harish Chandra Pant, Bhawan Singh Rawat, Bharat Singh Bisht and Mahendra Singh Rawat were among those present. Floral tributes were offered to both personalities at the beginning of the ceremony.
Senior poets and writers, including K.N. Chandola, Dr Karuna Pandey and Gyan Pant, recalled Pant and Girda through poetry and literary presentations. Speakers said Pant represented dedication to national and public service, while Girda used poetry, folk songs and the language of the people to strengthen Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and social consciousness.
The committee also resolved to protect, develop, beautify and expand the Pahari Sanskritik Upvan, with the aim of transforming it into a centre for preserving Uttarakhand’s folk culture, literature, art and traditions and passing them on to younger generations.
The ceremony was conducted by Mahendra Singh Rawat. Members of the Uttarakhand community paid their respects to both icons and pledged to carry forward their ideals and cultural legacy.
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