The two-day Vasantotsav spring festival concluded at Raj Bhawan on Sunday. The governor Baby Rani Maurya awarded winners in various categories in the presence of chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat and cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal. This year, the BHEL won awards in 18 categories, Uttarakhand forest development corporation in five categories, IMA in six categories, ONGC in 13 categories and IIT Roorkee in six categories.The BHEL was presented the running trophy for winning in maximum number of categories. A total of 132 first, second and third prizes along with 14 consolation prizes were also awarded in 46 sub categories under 11 categories. In the flowers used for edible purposes category, ONGC won the first prize while Ekta Veena won the first prize in floral Rangoli and Shaily won the first prize in on the spot photography competition.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the governor said that the main aim of organising the event was to make it as useful and beneficial as possible for the public. The floral exhibition is aimed at encouraging those involved in floriculture. Further, a decision had also been taken to organise an apple-litchi festival during August-September this year. The apple and litchi cultivated in Uttarakhand are of very good quality and the planned event will publicise these fruits further. The governor stressed on the need for raising public awareness on the natural wealth and beauty of Uttarakhand. The people will understand the value of tree plantation and environmental conservation only after they comprehend the importance of nature and view its beauty, she said. Vasantotsav also contributes towards the cause of environmental conservation, added Maurya.
Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal said that 171 organisations had put up stalls in the spring festival while 135 youngsters had participated in the painting competition for 12 to 18 years age group. The state government intends to strengthen the economic condition of people through floriculture, he added. Horticulture secretary HS Chugh and horticulture director HS Baweja also expressed their views on the occasion.
Monday, 15 March 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
