Uttarakhand PCC president Kishore Upadhyay welcomed the Pakistani delegation comprising 38 members which has reached Karnprayag on Thursday on the Char Dham pilgrimage. The pilgrims were given a rousing welcome by many eminent persons representing the State Government like Deputy Speaker Dr Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri, Cabinet Minister Rajendra Bhandari and parliamentary secretary Prof Jeet Ram aside from the PCC chief. The pilgrims were presented with souvenir in the form of Ganga water.
While addressing the pilgrims from the neighbouring country, Upadhyay said that India is revered as the guru of the world in the realm of spiritualism. “India embodies a unique unity amidst diversity. All the faiths from across the world hold reverential places in the bosom of India. It is inclusive. Besides, the peerless Indian culture treats the guests with great reverence,” he said, citing the age-old maxim atithi devo bhawah. Referring to Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, he said Ganga is the cornerstone of its culture. It is known for communal harmony, he said.
The Pakistani pilgrims were welcomed at several places like Rishikesh and Haridwar.