Monday, 07 November 2022 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that it is important for all to remain connected with their culture and the values instilled by their ancestors. He said that history is witness that those who lose connection with their culture wither away like a tree with dry roots. The chief minister said this while participating in the Uttarakhand Lok Virasat programme on Rangers Ground here on Sunday evening.
Dhami said that due to the richness and diversity of culture in Uttarakhand, the local culture and traditions are different in each district. Appreciating the Uttarakhand Lok Virasat programme, he said that this event presents a glimpse of the entire State’s diverse culture and traditions. He also commended the efforts of the event’s main organizer Dr KP Joshi. Stressing on the value of remaining connected with one’s culture, he said that this will provide energy and encouragement to all. Considering this, the traditional festival of Igas had been celebrated with considerable enthusiasm across the State this year. Such efforts will ensure that the culture and traditions of the State are passed on to the next generation. The chief minister said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various schemes are being executed in Uttarakhand for developing the State’s culture. After the 2013 disaster, the Kedarnath temple complex has been reconstructed with various development and construction works underway at the pilgrimage centre. These works will be completed by the end of 2023 with Kedarnath taking a grander and divine form. Similarly, a master plan has been prepared for grand redevelopment of the Badrinath Dham. Recently, PM Modi approved my idea of referring to Mana as the first village of India instead of the last village, and added that for him too every village on the borders of India is the first village of the nation.”
Referring to PM Modi’s call for local for vocal, the CM exhorted the people to ensure that during their travels they spend at least five per cent of their total expenditure on purchasing local products. Stating that Modi is directing efforts to revive the cultural identity of the nation, he said that the State government has also taken various steps for cultural development in Uttarakhand. He said that a provision for Rs two crore financial assistance has been made in the new film policy for making Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari films. Various other schemes have also been introduced to take forward the State’s native languages and culture.
Popular folk singers Pritam Bhartwan, Narendra Singh Negi, Meana Rana and Sangeeta Dhaundiyal also performed on the occasion. Cabinet ministers Chandan Ram Dass, Dehradun mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’, MLA Vinod Chamoli and others were also present on the occasion.
