· Urges people to speak local languages and connect younger generation with rich cultural heritage of state
· Calls for environmental protection and a drug-free youth
Governor Kavinder Gupta today called for collective efforts to preserve the State’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources and traditional way of life.
The Governor was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Mukhautasur,’ a two-day theatre festival based on the novel ‘Hidimb’ by renowned author S.R. Harnot, held at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla late last night. The play was presented by artists from Chandernahan Rangmanch, Rohru.
The play presents a strong message on the need to protect the environment, folk culture, mountains and rivers from growing commercial and selfish interests.
The Governor appreciated the artists and director Krish Bharti for presenting a socially relevant production rooted in Himachal’s cultural ethos. He said the play goes beyond the story of Mata Hidimba and reflects the challenges confronting Himalayan society, including environmental degradation, erosion of cultural values and the growing menace of drug abuse among youth.
The Governor particularly appreciated the incorporation of Himachal’s folk songs, local dialects and traditional cultural elements in the production, saying these elements give the play its distinctive identity and connect it deeply with the soil and people of the state. He said Himachal Pradesh should not be viewed merely as a tourism destination and stressed the need to protect its forests, mountains and rivers while simultaneously preserving its traditional dialects, folk traditions, festivals and musical instruments.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor said the message of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ underlines the importance of pursuing development while safeguarding India’s rich heritage and natural environment. He also referred to initiatives such as Mission LiFE and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, saying environmental conservation must become a collective responsibility and part of everyday life.
The Governor appealed to people to speak their local languages at home, celebrate traditional festivals with pride and connect the younger generation with Himachal’s rich cultural heritage. He also called for collective efforts to keep forests, rivers and mountains clean and protected and to safeguard youth from social evils such as drug abuse.
Sh. Gupta also appreciated the growing academic interest in S.R. Harnot’s ‘Hidimb’, noting that the novel has received recognition beyond Himachal Pradesh and has been the subject of research in universities in India and abroad.
The Governor also congratulated Chandernahan Rangmanch, the entire cast and crew, and the Himalayan Literature, Culture and Environment Forum, Shimla, for organizing the programme and wished the team continued success.
