CM Dhami inaugurates self-help group stalls under Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana in Dehradun

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 24 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated stalls set up by self-help groups under the Mukhyamantri Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana in Dehradun on Monday.
After visiting the stalls, the Chief Minister encouraged the women associated with the groups.
CM Dhami also purchased rakhis made by the women of local self-help groups and appreciated their skills and hard work. The Chief Minister encouraged their efforts and said that the Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana has provided livelihood opportunities to a large number of women, with many also benefiting from the initiative last year.
On Sunday, CM Dhami participated in two Raksha Bandhan programmes held in Dehradun and celebrated the festival with the women.
According to the Chief Minister's office, he first attended a Raksha Bandhan ceremony at Chaudhary Farms, followed by another programme at Survey Stadium in Hathibarkala. At both events, a large number of women tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister and wished him a healthy and long life.
The Chief Minister extended Raksha Bandhan greetings to all the women and expressed gratitude for their affection and blessings.
The Chief Minister extended Raksha Bandhan greetings in advance to all mothers and sisters of Uttarakhand and prayed that the sacred festival would bring happiness, prosperity and new joy into everyone's lives. He said that being among the women made him feel as though a brother had returned to his own home and family. The love and trust he receives from the women of the state, he said, are his greatest strength and continue to inspire him to work tirelessly in the service of every citizen of Uttarakhand.
He said Raksha Bandhan is not merely a festival celebrating the love between brothers and sisters, but also a sacred occasion symbolising unbreakable affection, trust, dedication and the lifelong commitment of a brother to protect his sister. The festival also teaches that relationships are strengthened not merely by rights, but by the fulfilment of duties and responsibilities. A brother's affection and commitment to his sister's safety, along with a sister's unwavering trust in her brother, are sacred bonds further strengthened by Raksha Bandhan, the release said.
The Chief Minister said Raksha Bandhan also reminds us of the importance of respecting women. "Respect for women is not only our duty but also the foundation of our culture and values. Women are the foundation of families and a fundamental force behind society and culture. A society that respects women is truly prosperous and cultured," he said. (ANI)