Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 10: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora today distributed awards among sculptors and artists at a concluding function of national level Sculpturing Camp organized by Tourism Department at Parihaspora in North Kashmir.
The camp was organized to showcase the rich historic architecture heritage of Kashmir and to promote art of sculpture in the State.
The camp was first of its kind in the Valley in which artists of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir States participated.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to revive the tourism industry, adding more than 10 lakh tourists visited Valley during current year. He also said tourism industry is the backbone of the economy of the State.
Referring to the historical background of Parihaspora, the Minister said that the area was known as Kani Shahar owing to the fact that historically significant stones are still exist at the site. Measures have already been taken to bring Parihaspora on tourist map to restore its pristine glory.
Mr. Jora on the occasion distributed awards among 8 Sculptures of Karnataka, 2 of Andhra Pradesh and 10 of Jammu and Kashmir.