New Delhi [India], September 10 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday paid floral tribute to Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his 138th birth anniversary and described his life as a source of inspiration for all.
Remembering the social reformer and freedom fighter, Om Birla said that Pandit Pant dedicated his life to improving the lives of people living in difficult conditions, particularly in hilly regions.
Speaking to ANI, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, "Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant dedicated his entire life to transforming the lives of people living in difficult conditions in the hilly areas through his social and political life, working for a long time for the welfare of all sections of society and for their social and economic upliftment.... We all draw inspiration from his life and guidance."
Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also paid tribute to Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his birth anniversary.
"On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, eloquent orator, social reformer, and Bharat Ratna recipient, Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Ji, countless salutations," stated his post on social media platform X.
"Your thoughts will forever continue to inspire us towards public service and national service," his post further read.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Pandit Pant, the first Chief Minister of the state and former Union Home Minister.
After offering floral tributes at Pandit Pant's portrait at the Gorakhnath Temple office premises in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister recalled his invaluable contribution, stating that in the challenging circumstances following independence, Pandit Pant took visionary and positive steps for the development of Uttar Pradesh.
On behalf of the state government and 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi honoured the sacred memory of Pandit Pant, describing him as a true son of Mother India. He highlighted that Pt Pant, born in Almora, was a great freedom fighter who actively participated in the Independence Movement. After independence, he played a significant role as the first Chief Minister of the then United Province and later Uttar Pradesh following the first general election.
As Chief Minister, Pandit Pant formulated farsighted plans for the state's progress at a time when the nation was struggling with the aftermath of centuries of slavery. Despite the disarray in governance, he took decisive steps to strengthen systems and placed Uttar Pradesh on the path of development.
Later, in 1954, as Union Home Minister, he carried forward the vision of national unity championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and introduced the Rajbhasha Sutra, further reinforcing the country's linguistic and cultural integrity.