CM releases book on Ranjit Singh Verma, pays tribute to his contribution to U’khand movement

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today released a book, titled “Ranjit Singh Verma: Uttarakhand Rajya Andolan Ki Nirnayak Ladai Ke Ek Jannayak”, at the IRDT Auditorium near Survey Chowk, here.
Based on the life and contributions of the late Uttarakhand statehood movement leader Ranjit Singh Verma, the book is authored by senior writer Gambhir Singh Palni and Ajay Verma. On the occasion, the CM paid rich tribute to Verma and recalled his significant role in the struggle for the creation of Uttarakhand.

Dhami also appreciated the efforts made to document Verma’s life, struggles and contribution to the statehood movement, saying the publication is not merely the biography of a mass leader but an important record of the resolve, sacrifices and struggles that shaped the Uttarakhand movement. He said the book would help future generations understand the history of the statehood movement and the sacrifices made by countless agitators.

The CM noted that Uttarakhand was created after decades of struggle and immense sacrifices by thousands of people. The formation of the separate state represented the fulfilment of long-standing aspirations and public sentiment. He noted that Ranjit Singh Verma had played a crucial role in raising the demand for a separate Uttarakhand, mobilising people and expanding public support for the movement.

He said that as Dehradun district president of the Uttarakhand Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti, Verma brought together various organisations and activists under a common platform and provided leadership to the movement. During 1995-96 and beyond, he kept the agitation active in Dehradun and led protests such as bandhs, chakka jams, jail bharo campaigns and rail roko movements. Dhami also recalled that Verma had turned his in-laws’ residence in Premnagar Bazaar, Doiwala, into an important centre of the movement, helping arrange accommodation for agitators arriving from hill regions.

Referring to the incidents at Khatima, Mussoorie and Muzaffarnagar, the CM described them as some of the most painful chapters in the history of the statehood movement. Despite hardships and repression, movement activists continued their struggle, ultimately leading to the creation of Uttarakhand as the country’s 27th state on November 9, 2000.

Dhami said that Verma served twice as an MLA from the Mussoorie Assembly constituency in undivided Uttar Pradesh but always placed the cause of statehood above political ambitions. After the formation of Uttarakhand, he did not contest elections and remained engaged in social service. He added that Verma’s life, continues to inspire people through its commitment to principles and selfless public service.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Hans Foundation founder Mata Mangla, Vivekanand Khanduri, Dr Mahesh Kuriyal and veteran journalists Manmohan Lakhera, Sheeshpal Gusain, Pradeep Kukreti, Ashok Verma and Sumer Chand Ravi also addressed the gathering on this occasion. Secretary Yugal Kishore Pant, authors Gambhir Singh Palni and Ajay Verma, statehood activists, public representatives and other dignitaries were among those present on the occasion.