CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Major General B.C. Khanduri
Dehradun, June 1: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Major General (Retd.) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri during a condolence meeting held at the Late Harbans Kapoor Memorial Community Hall in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to Khanduri’s portrait and remembered his immense contributions to the nation and the state.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami described Major General B.C. Khanduri as a multifaceted personality who would always be remembered as a disciplined soldier, visionary administrator, exemplary public representative, and a true architect of Uttarakhand’s development. He said that Khanduri dedicated every moment of his life to the service of the nation and society, setting high standards of integrity, simplicity, transparency, and commitment in public life.
Recalling his distinguished military career, the Chief Minister said that Khanduri displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and strategic acumen during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Through his service in the Corps of Engineers, he played a significant role in the development of border regions and the creation of critical infrastructure. In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, he was awarded the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
The Chief Minister noted that Khanduri’s commitment to public service continued even after his retirement from the Army. Elected as a Member of Parliament from the Garhwal constituency in 1991, he strongly advocated for the creation of a separate Uttarakhand state in Parliament. Representing the region five times as an MP, he consistently raised the voice of the hill state at the national level and contributed significantly to strengthening the statehood movement.
Dhami also highlighted Khanduri’s contributions as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stating that he played a key role in strengthening India’s infrastructure network. His efforts in advancing landmark initiatives such as the Golden Quadrilateral Project and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana remain widely acknowledged and remembered.
As Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Khanduri laid strong emphasis on good governance, transparency, and accountability, providing a new direction to the state’s development. Despite holding high public offices, he never compromised on his principles and values. He remained closely connected to the people and always prioritized addressing their concerns and aspirations.
The Chief Minister said that B.C. Khanduri’s life and ideals continue to inspire the younger generation. He added that he had personally benefited from Khanduri’s guidance, affection, and blessings on several occasions, which helped shape his own public life and leadership journey.
Describing Khanduri’s demise as an irreparable loss not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation, Dhami said that while an era has come to an end, Khanduri’s thoughts, values, and legacy will continue to guide society for generations to come. He urged people to imbibe Khanduri’s ideals and work collectively toward building the Uttarakhand he envisioned.
The condolence meeting was attended by Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, yoga guru Swami Ramdev, saints, public representatives, social workers, and a large number of distinguished citizens, all of whom paid their respects to the late leader.
