Dhumal inaugurates Kangra festival

Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister inaugurated the four daylong State level Kangra Valley Summer Festival by lighting a lamp and inaugurating the Gandhi Shilp Bazar of Gram Shree Mela and exhibition put up by various departments in the police ground Dharamsala last evening and was joined by Shri Kishan Kapoor, Transport Minister, Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur, MP Lok Sabha, Shri Vipin Parmar, Shri Parveen Sharma, MLAs, Shri Dulo Ram, former MLA.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister congratulated the people of the town on the occasion of Kangra Valley Summer Festival and said that Dharamsala was the second most concentrated popular town, internationally recognized tourist destination of the State. He said that efforts were being made to create quality infrastructure to cater to the growing demand of local population and visitors to the town and its peripheries.

Prof. Dhumal said that Himachal was the land of Gods and Goddesses in real terms since people had immense faith in the devotional powers. He said that fairs and festivals symbolize the rich cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the State, it being of the devotional practices.

Chief Minister said that Dharamsala was fast emerging as sports town since it had the only international level cricket ground where international matches had already started taking place and cricketers visiting the town for advanced coaching facilities. He said that H.P. Cricket Association would be spending about Rs. 25 crore over the construction of the up-coming cricket compelx which would not only boost sports tourism but also supplement the endeavour of the State Government directed towards the promotion of quality tourism. He said that with the implementation of the HPCA proposal to construct a club house and revolving restaurant near the stadium the entire Dharamsala town would be involved in tourism promotion activities. He assured the HPCA of all possible help from the State government side in implementation of their expansion and improvement proposals.

Chief Minister also released the souvenir brought out by the organizers to mark the Summer Festival celebration. He also witnessed the 'Gurdas Maan' renowned Punjabi singer programme alongwith his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries.

Shri K.K. Pant, DC-cum-Chairman, State level Kangra Valley Summer Festival Organising Committee welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him of the arrangements made for the festival.

Shri J.R. Katwal, Director, Information and Public Relations, Shri Rajesh Sharma, Secretary, H.P. Board of School Education, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.