CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Kumaon tour on Monday underscored a commitment to both infrastructure and community empowerment. Starting in Haldwani, the CM laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art media centre, a Rs 6.75 crore project designed to bolster press facilities. “Journalists are the bedrock of democracy,” Dhami remarked, emphasising the government’s drive to provide modern resources for the region’s media corps. Later, in Khatima, the tone shifted from governance to grassroots development as the CM inaugurated projects worth Rs 89 lakh. The spotlight was on the ‘Hi-Tech Didi Library’ and a new gymnasium.
‘Bhagat Da’ conferred Padma Bhushan by Prez
Former Uttarakhand CM and Maharashtra ex-governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was conferred the Padma Bhushan for public affairs by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Ganatantra Mandap during the 2026 Civil Investiture Ceremony. Fondly called ‘Bhagat Da’ across Uttarakhand, Koshyari’s journey remains deeply inspiring. Born in remote Palandhura village in 1942, he rose from modest beginnings as a lecturer to become a key figure in Indian politics. Koshyari served as Cabinet Minister in the state’s first government, briefly as CM, LoP, Rajya Sabha MP in 2008, and Lok Sabha MP from Nainital in 2014.
NSG heroes conquer Everest in record time
The state has once again proven that no peak is insurmountable when determination prevails. On May 23, a 16-member NSG team, led by Dehradun’s Major Akhilesh Bhatt, scripted history by conquering Mount Everest at 3:26 AM. Achieving the summit in just 20 days from Kathmandu is a rare feat. The success was forged through months of preparation—scaling Mount Satopanth in 2025 and completing intense winter training in Lahaul-Spiti. With fellow Uttarakhand natives—Subedar Suresh Kumar, Naik Rahul Singh, Naik Pankaj Singh, and Commando Gautam Butola—the expedition reflects the indomitable spirit of ‘Devbhoomi’.
Narendra sethi
Our correspondent in Uttarakhand
narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com