Shimla, April 13: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday visited Kyarkoti village near Shimla as chief guest at a ‘Gau Katha’ ceremony, where he pitched for developing the region as a spiritual and cultural destination.
Calling it his first visit to the valley, Shukla said he was mesmerised by the area’s natural beauty and potential for tourism.
He also took part in the pran pratishtha rituals at the newly established Shani Dham and Karm Ghat and offered fodder to cows at Govardhan Dham, commending local residents and the Govardhan Dham Welfare Society for their efforts.
“Cow is seen as a mother in Indian tradition—offering nourishment, values and health. Cow protection is not just a religious act but a path to social, economic and environmental sustainability,” the Governor said, noting the medicinal value of milk from Himalayan cows and their dung’s role in organic farming.
Shukla also warned of rising drug abuse, especially the spread of synthetic drugs like chitta, which he said threatens the identity of Himachal as Devbhoomi. He urged women to take the lead in the Drug-Free Himachal Campaign.
His wife Janaki Shukla and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh were present at the event.
