In a moving display of gratitude and human connection, a woman rescued from the recent floods in Dharali, Uttarakhand, tied a 'rakhi' to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami using a piece of her 'dupatta'. The incident occurred during Dhami's visit to Harsil on Friday, August 8, 2025, where he was overseeing relief operations in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that struck Uttarkashi district.
Dhangauri Barauliya, a resident of Ishanpur in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, had traveled to Uttarakhand with her family for a pilgrimage to Gangotri. On August 5, 2025, their trip was disrupted by a severe natural disaster that struck Dharali, leaving them stranded. Landslides and heavy debris blocked access routes, creating a challenging and frightening situation.
Following the disaster, state government launched immediate relief and rescue operations. Chief Minister Dhami has been personally monitoring the rescue efforts in the area for the past three days. Rescue teams successfully evacuated Mrs. Barauliya and her family to safety.
During Dhami's inspection of the affected areas, Dhangauri Barauliya approached him, overwhelmed with emotion. In a spontaneous gesture of gratitude, she tore a piece of her dupatta and tied it around Dhami's wrist as a Rakhi. As she tied the Rakhi, she expressed her feelings, saying, "For me, you are like Lord Krishna – protecting not just me, but all the mothers and sisters here like a true brother. You have been with us for three days, ensuring our safety and looking after our needs".
The emotional moment touched everyone present. Chief Minister Dhami humbly accepted the Rakhi, assuring Mrs. Barauliya that the state government stands with every affected citizen during this critical time and will provide all possible assistance. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
The flash floods in Uttarkashi, triggered by heavy rains, caused widespread destruction and claimed lives. At least four people have died, and dozens were reported missing after the Kheer Ganga river overflowed. Homes, hotels, and roads were swept away by the massive waves of water and debris.
In response to the disaster, the Indian Army, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were immediately mobilized for rescue and relief operations. The army has been leading the efforts to find those still unaccounted for, with additional military columns, tracker dogs, drones, and heavy earthmoving equipment deployed. Military helicopters have been delivering supplies, including medical aid, and evacuating those stranded. So far, 357 civilians have been rescued, including 119 airlifted to Dehradun.
The touching gesture by the rescued woman has become a symbol of hope, trust, and human solidarity in the face of adversity. This poignant act of sisterly affection and gratitude resonated deeply, highlighting the strong bond between the government and the people it serves during times of crisis.
The Chief Minister also announced free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan, further emphasizing the state's focus on women's empowerment. He reiterated his commitment to empowering women in Uttarakhand, stating that a prosperous Uttarakhand cannot be realized without women's empowerment.
