CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 8th Jyotish Mahakumbh at Graphic Era University, Dehradun, felicitating Pandit Purushottam Gaud with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The event highlighted the scientific and spiritual heritage of Indian astrology.
Dehradun:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday attended the 8th Jyotish Mahakumbh, organised by Amar Ujala at Graphic Era University in Dehradun. On the occasion, renowned astrologer Pandit Purushottam Gaud was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while several other eminent astrologers from across the country were also felicitated for their contributions to the field of astrology.
Praising the initiative, the Chief Minister said the event was a commendable effort to bring the scientific dimensions hidden within ancient and divine knowledge to the common people. He stated that the deliberations and conclusions emerging from such platforms would not only help address challenges of human life and social issues but would also provide meaningful guidance for the nation’s bright future.
CM Dhami highlighted that Indian Sanatan culture represents a unique confluence of knowledge, science, and spirituality. He said Sanatan tradition is not merely based on faith and belief, but is deeply rooted in scientific thinking, research, and intellectual inquiry. Astrology, he added, is one of India’s most profound, rich, and scientific disciplines.
The Chief Minister noted that India’s sages were not limited to rituals and worship but were also outstanding scientists of their time. Aryabhata revolutionised astronomy and mathematics, Maharishi Parashara systematised astrology into a scientific framework, Varahamihira made remarkable contributions to astronomy, while Bhrigu Muni enriched the traditions of predictive astrology and time calculation. He said that many celestial phenomena for which modern science today relies on sophisticated instruments were understood thousands of years ago by Indian sages through detailed study of planetary movements, time cycles, human life, and nature.
CM Dhami remarked that even global scientific institutions are now acknowledging that many geographical and cosmic phenomena can be better understood through Indian astrological science. Astrology, he said, establishes a balance between material life, spiritual consciousness, and divine order, and teaches that human life and the universe are deeply interconnected. The Sun, Moon, and planets are not merely celestial bodies, but significant forces influencing time cycles, natural balance, and human tendencies.
The Chief Minister further stated that astrology and Vastu Shastra are being widely studied across the world today. He stressed that such sacred knowledge must be presented responsibly and ethically so that it serves as a tool for public welfare. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the flag of Sanatan culture is flying across the globe, and the world is increasingly recognising India’s ancient philosophy, knowledge systems, and scientific heritage.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, CM Dhami said that under the Prime Minister’s guidance, Uttarakhand is being continuously developed as the cultural and spiritual capital of the country. He informed that a Centre for Hindu Studies has been established at Doon University for in-depth study of Indian culture, philosophy, and history. To promote Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and spiritual tourism, the government is also planning to establish one Spiritual Economic Zone each in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. Additionally, the Uttarakhand Astrology Council has been constituted to promote astrological studies and encourage the youth to understand and benefit from ancient Indian knowledge and science.
The programme was attended by Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj, Chairman of Graphic Era Group Kamal Ghansala, Amar Ujala Editor Anup Bajpai, along with eminent astrologers and distinguished guests from across the country.
