KATHUA : Describing Baisakhi festival a grand occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh today said Baisakhi is one of the events where cultural diversities come together. He said Billawar area has vast potential for religious tourism and the same would be harnessed fully.
Speaking at the inauguration of 3-day Baisakhi festival at Naaj ground in Billawar, Dr Nirmal Singh said festivals have special importance for Billawar region as these are part of the age-old tradition of the area.
Extending Baisakhi greetings to the people, the Dy CM said the state government is keen to develop the areas of religious and tourist importance, for which several projects are in the offing.
He appreciated the organizing committee for putting hard efforts to make this magnificent Mela a grand success. He assured the people that Billawar, Bani and Basohli will be developed as tourist hubs in coming times. He said the scenic beauty of this area has no match which needs to be explored further. He also mentioned the famous pashmina shawl, Basholi paintings and scope of growing herbs in the region.
A number of deputations also met Dy CM at Rest House Billawar and brought to his notice various demands of the people of the town. The deputations were given a patient hearing and assured of redressal of genuine demands.
A colorful cultural programme by famous Dogri, Punjabi, Gojri, Kud Folk artists was presented at the inaugural function. The prominent among were Dipali Bedal who got huge applause on ‘Bhala Sapaiya Dogreya’
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister visited and inspected stalls installed by departments who have displayed their goods and implements besides literatures of schemes and programmes for the visiting peoples. Few stalls of prospective farmers, eatables were also installed in the Mela. He instructed the administration to aware the masses about various schemes launched by central as well as state government by organizing the regular camps especially in the remote areas.
Minister for Health and Medical Education Ch. Lal Singh while speaking on the occasion said such cultural events help in enriching the young generation with old traditions and cultural values. He said Dogra culture has unique and rich significance in the history of the state; adding that youth should remain attached with their cultural roots. He further said that Baisakhi is a celebration of new life and new beginning and called for strengthening the bonds between the various sections of the society and nurturing communal harmony.
MLA Bani Jeevan Lal, MLC Vikramaditya Singh also spoke on the occasion and extended Baisakhi greetings to the people.
DC Kathua Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, SSP Kathua Neeva Jain, SDM Billawar R.S Charak, Nodal Officer Baisakhi Festival Tehsildar Manmeet Kumar were also present on the occasion.
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