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Key Points

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami extended warm Raksha Bandhan wishes, calling the festival a symbol of India's unity. He announced free bus rides for women and emphasized their empowerment. Meanwhile, NBRI introduced biodegradable floral rakhis to promote sustainability. The initiative also supports women's economic independence through eco-friendly crafts.

Key Points: Uttarakhand CM Dhami Calls Rakhi a Symbol of India's Cultural Unity

  • Dhami highlights Rakhi as a bond of cultural unity and family values
  • Uttarakhand offers free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan
  • NBRI introduces eco-friendly floral rakhis for sustainable celebration
  • CM stresses women's empowerment for Uttarakhand's prosperity
3 min read

Not just a protective thread but a symbol of India's cultural unity: Uttarakhand CM Dhami extends Raksha Bandhan wishes

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami extends Raksha Bandhan wishes, emphasizing women's empowerment and eco-friendly floral rakhis by NBRI.

"The rakhi tied by sisters is not just a protective thread but a symbol of India's cultural unity. - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, August 9

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his wishes to the people of the state on the festival of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday. He urged them to pledge to honour and protect women on the occasion.

"Heartfelt congratulations and affectionate best wishes to all the people of the state on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan," Dhami said in a post on X.

"The rakhi tied by sisters on their brothers is not just a protective thread but a symbol of India's cultural unity, family values, and sacred relationships. Let us, on this occasion, all pledge to honor and protect women," he said.

Dhami on Friday announced a free travel facility for women in the buses operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Cooperation on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, stated a release. He also highlighted the state's continuous efforts on women's empowerment.

"The dream of a prosperous Uttarakhand cannot be fulfilled without empowering women. We expect the people of the state to cooperate in the creation of an ideal society for the empowerment of women and their progress," the CM had said.

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, and in return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and protection.

Meanwhile, the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has introduced floral biodegradable rakhis.

These biodegradable rakhis are a unique and eco-friendly product made of natural and dried flowers and plant material.

NBRI Director Ajit Kumar Shasany, on Thursday, said that the initiative was taken for women's empowerment. He added that the institute came up with the idea to convert its floral art into biodegradable rakhis.

"This concept has come up as we were making floral crafts in NBRI. We were doing it for women empowerment. A few days ago, we got an idea that we could convert the floral art into environmental friendly rakhi. We give various shapes to dried flowers. It is eco-friendly," Ajit Kumar Shasany told ANI.

These floral rakhis are available at the Institute campus for Rs 50.

Sharing an X post, CSIR-NBRI wrote, "Celebrate a Green Raksha Bandhan with CSIR-NBRI's Biodegradable Floral Rakhis! Crafted with love, tradition & sustainability by empowered women. Available for Sale | Rs 50 only Sale Section, Gate No. 3, Botanic Garden, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish politicians would focus more on actual women's safety measures rather than just symbolic gestures. Free bus rides are good but what about better policing and faster justice for crimes against women?
A
Ananya R
The floral rakhis from NBRI are such a wonderful innovation! ♻️ My sister and I have been looking for sustainable alternatives to plastic rakhis. Will definitely try to get these. Great job by the scientists and women artisans behind this initiative!
V
Vikram M
Raksha Bandhan isn't just about brothers protecting sisters - in my family, we tie rakhis to cousins and close friends too. It's about celebrating all meaningful relationships. Glad to see the CM recognizing its broader cultural significance beyond just sibling bonds.
K
Kavya N
The free bus travel for women is a nice gesture, but why only on Raksha Bandhan? Women's safety in public transport should be prioritized every day. Still, it's heartwarming to see traditional festivals being used to highlight important social issues.
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Siddharth J
As an NRI, reading about these cultural celebrations makes me homesick. The biodegradable rakhi idea is genius - will ask my relatives in Lucknow to send some. Proud to see India blending tradition with modern environmental awareness!

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