Dehraduun, April 25:
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna paid tribute to late Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna on his 93rd Birth Anniversary in a program organized by Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Smriti Samiti at Dunga House here today.
Chief Minister Bahuguna remembering his father said that late Bahuguna had clear vision on the development of hill areas. He said that for him life was full of sacrifices and penance. "He always believed in maintaining harmony and benevolence with even his rivals and respecting them. He used to say that whether power remained or not but relations should always be there," he said. Chief Minister said that his father was in opinion that the leader was successful in real sense only if he is easily accessible for the common man. Chief Minister Bahuguna said that in politics the good works were always remembered more after the death of that person.
Mr. Bahuguna said that the wind of change in Uttarakhand had come not for the power but for the betterment and prosperity of the people of Uttarakhand. He said that people who divide the society on the basis of caste, religion and community could not be friends. He said that dignity ought to be maintained in the party organization by all. Mr. Bahuguna said "The people around you who tell you about your shortcomings are your real friends". He said that though his birthplace was Allahabad his 'Karmbhumi' was Uttarakhand.
Irrigation Minister Yashpal Arya said that late Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna was a man of vision and was good policy maker and administrator. He said that late Bahuguna always worked to bring the minorities in the main stream of the society. "He was well aware of the problems existing in the hill areas. We are sure that Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna will realize the dreams seen by his father and take the state towards prosperity," Mr. Arya said.
Senior Congress Leader and former Opposition Leader Harak Singh Rawat recalled his school days when late Bahuguna used to visit his school at Devalgarh. "Whenever he used to visit school all children would become happy as the holiday was sure that day," he said. Also present on the occasion were Congress MLAs Kunwar Pranav Singh and Rajkumar.
Meanwhile talking to the media persons on the sideline of the program, Mr. Bahuguna said "If you have strong commitment no one can stop you. You must always try to maintain good relations with everybody".
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Bahuguna after paying his tribute to late Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna at his residence said that he was proud to be the son of late Bahuguna. He said that late Bahuguna's life was dedicated to public service and he derived inspiration from his principles.
The students of Manav Kalyan Kendra Drone Arsh Kanya Gurukul recited Sanskit Slokas. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 lakh for the extension of Gurukul building. Books were also distributed to the students on the occasion. Present on the occasion were former minister Tilak Raj Behad, Dr. Annapurna, Dr. Vedprakash and Harpal Sethi.