Akhilesh Yadav Himachal visit Chail memories: Silent Ashram stay keeps media away
Sirmaur, Feb 25,
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s recent visit to Badrika Ashram in Maryog village of Sirmaur district was more than just a private spiritual retreat — it was also a quiet return to the hills that shaped his early life.
He reached the ashram at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The visit was kept strictly confidential, with no public engagements or political meetings scheduled. His wife, Dimple Yadav, along with their daughter, had arrived about a week earlier and are understood to be on a spiritual pilgrimage.
The serene surroundings of Sirmaur are not unfamiliar to Yadav. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Rashtriya Military School Chail, where he spent his early years as a student. Nestled amid cedar forests, the institution is known for its disciplined environment and scenic beauty.
Old memories resurfaced as news of his visit spread quietly through the region. One of his former schoolmates, Vikas Thakur, recalled their childhood days together.
“We studied and played together. He was very fond of cricket,” Thakur shared. “We played many matches at the famous Chail Cricket Ground, which is known as the highest cricket ground in the world. Those were unforgettable days.”
For many locals, his visit evoked images of a young cadet playing cricket on misty mornings in Chail, long before he entered public life.
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Sources said he arrived in Kasauli on Monday evening before proceeding to Maryog early Tuesday. The Ashram authorities described the trip as strictly personal. Media access was restricted, and Himachal Pradesh Police provided necessary security, with DSP Rajgarh V.C. Negi personally present to oversee arrangements.
Away from the political spotlight, the former Chief Minister is said to be spending time in prayer, reflection, and with family — reconnecting not only with spirituality, but also with the mountains that witnessed his growing years.
For many in Himachal, this visit is not just about a political figure on retreat, but about a former student returning quietly to the land of his youth.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
