JAMMU : Minister for Social Welfare, Forests, Ecology & Environment, Bali Bhagat has called for collective efforts to preserve the rich Dogra culture and heritage of Jammu, for which, he said, the social and Non-Governmental Organizations should play their role.
Addressing an impressive gathering after inaugurating the annual Baisakhi Mela at Nagbani near here today, the Minister said that younger generation is distancing itself from their culture and traditions and getting attracted towards the westernization, which is harmful for the society. He said the need of the hour is to promote traditional cultural values to keep the younger generation connected with their roots. The festivals and Melas are the events to highlight and promote the culture and local traditions, said the Minister.
Hailing the efforts of Care Nature & Environment (NGO) for organizing the Mela, the Minister said that the event will go a long way in reviving our rich culture and ethos and enthuse the younger generation towards their traditions. He said culture and language are identity of a community and it is the duty of every one to preserve and promote them. One must be proud of his language and culture, the Minister asserted.
On the occasion, several departments had put up their stalls to promote the government schemes. The officers educated the people about the features and benefits of self-financing schemes and latest techniques to boost horticulture and agriculture produce. The Minister also inspected the stalls and interacted with the officers.
Local artists presented colourful cultural programme, which enthralled the gathering.
The Chairperson, Care Nature & Environment, Ms. Ruchi Chouhan Khan welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of the Mela. She said that Baisakhi Mela at Nagbani is an old phenomena being organized from the times of Maharaja. The event used to be a platform for the local artists, sportspersons to showcase their talent and the organization has also tried to revive the old traditions.
She expressed gratitude to the Minister, officers of Government departments, Sarpanchs, Panchs, prominent citizens of the area and school management of Maharaja Hari Singh Collegiate School, Nagbani for their whole-hearted support for organizing the event.
Later, the Minister offered floral tributes to the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh installed in the premises of school.
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