Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday paid tribute to former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri at a condolence meeting held at Harbans Kapoor Memorial Community Hall in Garhi Cantt. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to Khanduri’s portrait and paid his respects.
Dhami said that Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri had a multifaceted personality and dedicated his entire life to serving the nation and society as a soldier, public representative, administrator, and development-oriented leader. He described Khanduri as a symbol of duty, honesty, simplicity, and national service, whose life would continue to inspire future generations.
The Chief Minister noted that during his service in the Indian Army, Khanduri displayed courage and leadership during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In recognition of his distinguished military service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
He added that after retiring from the Army, Khanduri continued his commitment to public service. As a Member of Parliament, he strongly advocated for the creation of a separate Uttarakhand state and effectively raised the concerns and aspirations of the hill region at the national level.
The Chief Minister further said that while serving as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Khanduri played a key role in accelerating major infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. As Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, he prioritized good governance, transparency, and accountability, giving a new direction to the state’s development.
Dhami remarked that despite holding high public offices, Khanduri never compromised on his principles and values. His style of governance, he said, would remain an example for elected representatives and administrative officials alike.
The Chief Minister stated that Khanduri’s passing is an irreparable loss not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. He said that while an era has come to an end, Khanduri’s ideals, vision, and contributions will continue to guide society.
The condolence meeting was attended by Ritu Khanduri, former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, saints and spiritual leaders, public representatives, and a large number of distinguished citizens.
