Sukhu spends night at local teacher's home, relishes local dishes

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched his government’s outreach programme ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ in the remote Dodra-Kwar area of district Shimla on Saturday and spent the night at the home of a local retired teacher, Hardayal Khepan. The Chief Minister reached Khepan’s home at quarter to eight in the evening, where he was accorded a warm welcome by the family.

“I could not have even imagined that a Chief Minister would not only visit my house but also spend a night. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have hosted the CM,” said Khepan. The government has launched the ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ programme to reach the doorsteps of the people in far flung areas, listen to their grievances and take steps to addresses their concerns.

Sitting by the bonfire, the Chief Minister indulged in a warm conversation with the family and other residents of the village about various aspects of their daily lives, food and local customs. Local women sang traditional songs, beginning with the ‘Laaman,’ a song dedicated to the local deity Kwar Jakha, to welcome him. For dinner, the CM enjoyed a traditional meal that included Betu, Koda, and Fafra roti, Siddu, Ogla, Chiyaun (local mushroom) and curry of locally grown Rajmah. A local delicacy called Limdi was prepared for dessert.

Pallavi, Khepan’s daughter and a trained JBT teacher, was excited over the Chief Minister choosing their home to stay overnight. “It’s proud moment for the family. We took several pictures with him. It’s a memory we will cherish for life,” she said. Her father said the Chief Minister came across as a very simple and humble person. “He kept asking us about our area, the problems we face in our everyday lives,” he said.

On Sunday morning, the Chief Minister joined the women of the local Mahila Mandal for breakfast. “We served the Chief Minister homemade Siddus with honey, and he enjoyed them immensely. We also offered him other local dishes,” the women said. Khepan further said the CM made several announcements for the development of the area. “Dodra-Kwar will remain grateful to him for coming here and giving a major push to the development of the area,” he said.