Strong families are foundation of strong nation: Dhami

CM participates in Matru Sanskar Samagam in Doon
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 17 Feb: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid rich tributes to maternal power while addressing the ‘Matru Sanskar Samagam’ organised under the aegis of Vishwamanglya Sabha at Government Doon Medical College, Patel Nagar, here, today. Addressing the mothers and women who had gathered from various districts of the State, Dhami emphasised that strong families form the bedrock of a strong nation and that maternal values constitute the central axis of nation building.
Sharing experiences from his childhood and public life, Dhami said his journey was shaped by struggle, discipline and deeply rooted values rather than privilege. Growing up in a modest family instilled in him qualities of hard work, honesty and self-reliance. He observed that simplicity, restraint and a sense of social responsibility have guided his decisions, adding that true greatness lies not in position but in character and clarity of purpose.

Expressing satisfaction over the meaningful dialogue with mothers, daughters, social workers and women achievers, Dhami said such platforms strengthen understanding of maternal power in social and national development. He reiterated that, in Indian culture, the mother occupies the highest pedestal and that strong families naturally lead to a strong society and nation. Referring to Kaushalya, Yashoda and Jijabai, he underlined how maternal guidance has historically shaped great personalities and laid the foundation of morality, patience, tolerance and responsibility.
Dhami noted that changing family structures and the rise of nuclear families have reduced collective spirit and intimacy. He cautioned that modern lifestyles and increasing competition have weakened family communication, contributing to emotional detachment and rising discord. While supporting individual freedom, he emphasised the need to preserve the essence of family life—sacrifice, cooperation, responsibility and emotional bonding. Calling for a balance between modernity and tradition, he described the family as the first school of values where children learn discipline, respect and national spirit. He observed that such initiatives are especially significant in the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Dhami further emphasised that the maternal power has the strength to empower families and contribute decisively to the welfare of society, the nation and the world.
Addressing the gathering, the CM’s wife, Geeta Dhami, said that social service is the essence of human life and when it becomes a family tradition, it awakens collective consciousness in society. Emphasising that ‘Seva Paramo Dharmah’ is a way of life in Sanatan culture, she urged the families to nurture compassion, harmony and sensitivity in children. She also highlighted the mother’s role as the first teacher who sows the seeds of service and responsibility, and said success should be measured not only by personal achievement but also by contribution to society.
She also cautioned that technological advancement and busy lifestyles are creating emotional distance within families, but service-oriented households can set inspiring examples. On the occasion, Dhami honoured seven distinguished women with the ‘Sapt Matru Shakti Samman’ for their contributions in various fields: Mamta Rana, Mamta Rawat, Shaila Brijnath, Sadhvi Kamlesh Bharti, Rajrani Agrawal, Manju Tamta and Kavita Malasi. Among those present included Vishwamanglya Sabha office‑bearers Prashant Hartalkar, Vrushali Joshi, Pooja Madhav, Anuradha Yadav, representatives of social organisations and women from various districts, public representatives and eminent citizens.