Chief Minister Sukhu’s Historic Overnight Stay in Dodra Kwar Brings Government Closer to Remote Villages

Chief Minister Sukhu’s Historic Overnight Stay in Dodra Kwar Brings Government Closer to Remote Villages

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has made history as the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to stay overnight in Dodra Kwar, a remote area in Shimla district known for its rugged terrain and commonly referred to as ‘Kala Pani’ due to its isolation. Although a few previous Chief Ministers had visited the Dodra Kwar region, none had stayed overnight since the formation of Himachal Pradesh.

In Dodra Kwar, Chief Minister Sukhu launched the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ (Government at Your Doorstep) program, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of remote communities. He spent the night at the residence of Hardayal Khepan, a retired teacher, who hosted the Chief Minister at his home around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. Hardayal and his family welcomed the Chief Minister warmly, and he spent the evening with them, chatting around a bonfire, learning about local traditions, and discussing the community’s way of life.

The Chief Minister showed a keen interest in the traditions of the area and asked Hardayal’s family about customary practices like “Ghyana,” where wood fires are lit in courtyards during winter weddings. As they spoke, women from the community performed traditional songs to honor him, beginning with ‘Laaman,’ a song dedicated to the local deity Kwar Jakha.

The dinner prepared for Chief Minister Sukhu by eight village women included an array of local dishes like Betu, Koda, and Fafra bread (roti), and special local delicacies such as Siddu, Ogla, Chiyaun (a type of local mushroom), Rajmah curry, and Limdi for dessert. Expressing their joy, local women Jaipradha, Hemlata, and Pratibha shared how honored they felt to have prepared a meal for the Chief Minister.

Hardayal’s daughter Pallavi, a JBT-trained teacher, spoke about the pride of hosting the Chief Minister, calling it a memory that will last a lifetime. The Chief Minister was equally appreciative, spending time with the family and villagers, who noted his down-to-earth nature and genuine interest in their lives.

On Sunday morning, the Chief Minister shared breakfast with the Dhandarwadi-II Mahila Mandal women. Bharta Devi and Anita Bhetan, members of the local Self-Help Group, served him Siddus with honey and other local breakfast dishes, which he enjoyed. The women expressed that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them, grateful for the opportunity to host the Chief Minister personally.

Through this historic overnight stay, Chief Minister Sukhu has strengthened the connection between the state government and the people of Dodra Kwar, showing a dedication to understanding the lives, needs, and culture of this remote community.

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