Shimla: A new addition to Shimla skyline atop the towering Jakhoo Hill, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, unveiled a statue of Lord Hanuman, in the presence of renowned film personalities Abhishek Bachhan and Parikshit Sahni.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister narrated to story Jakhoo Hill’s association with Hanuman, who had set out in search for the elusive Sanjeevani Booti, for treating a wounded Lord Laxman while the battle for Lanka was being raged.
Local legends hold that after Hanuman failed to find the lifesaving herb, he carried the whole hill and enroute to Lanka, the monkey god is said to have rested atop Jakhoo for awhile.
The statue gifted by Nanda Trust at such an important place was a befitting tribute the devotees of Lord Hanuman, said Dhumal.
On the occasion, the chief minister mentioned the state’s efforts to promote heritage tourism. The well documented ‘Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai’ is a well documented book recording the historical importance of many heritage buildings in Shimla, he said.
The genre was being expanded to include rural tales in the compilation of ‘Har Gaon Ki Kahani’, which will document interesting village stories from all over the state.
Newer generation of those whose forefathers had served in India and stayed in Shimla are always curious to come looking for the buildings, the localities and townships their ancestors have been associated with, he added.
The junior Bachhan, his sister Shweta Nanda and veteran actor Parishit Sahni were presented copies of Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai book by the chief minister after unveiling of the 102 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman.
Nikhil Nanda, MD of the Trust said that the project was completed in record time after the foundation was laid on ‘Hanuman Jayanti’ two years ago. Weighing 1500 tons, the sculpture had been made by Naresh Kumar, a renowned sculptor, he added.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
My only point is the design…the mace should’ve been resting on the shoulders and the pony tail over it to give the actual look of a Mahabali from afar…the whole purpose is defeated. It looks like a Jain Muni from the Mall but for it’s Keasari colour! Gods don’t bother so why should we ?!
Popularity prevails in today’s world never mind grammatically incorrect “No Admission” instead of “No Admittance” !
You will want to drive away ‘monkey menace’ but worship Monkey God with the same enthusiasm !
It’s a hypocritical world for the most.
The grand statue of ‘Vaanar Yuth Mukhyam’ is impressive. Preserving the image of the Leader and ordering the killing of His band of followers is even more impressive.