MANDI: Apart from announcing Rs one crore for the Dev Samaj and enabling the orphans to participate in the weeklong International Mandi Shivratri festivities, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that Himachal Pradesh is Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi. Dev culture of the state has its own distinct identity and people have deep faith in the deities.
Presiding over the program organized by Sarv Devta Seva Samiti at Sanskriti Sadan Mandi, he announced to provide Rs. one crore to the Dev Samaj and to allot half bigha land around the temples from the allotable pool.
He assured that adequate funds would also be made available for the maintenance of Sanskriti Sadan so that other programs related to Dev Samaj could be organized in a better way.
Chief Minister said that the state government would fulfill all the 10 guarantees given by the Congress party in its manifesto in a phased manner.
He said that the former BJP government made announcements without budgetary provisions, but despite this the BJP was thrown out of power by the people.
He said that the present State Government was making efforts to bring the economy back on track, but it would take some time and it required cooperation from all.
On this occasion President, HPCC and MP Pratibha Singh said that International Shivratri is an ancient fair. The people of Himachal Pradesh have deep faith in the Dev culture.
Remembering contribution to former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Pratibha Singh said that it was due to his efforts that Dev Sadans in Mandi and Kullu were constructed for the convenience of Dev Samaj.
MLA Mandi Sadar Anil Sharma thanked for making a provision of Rs 10 crore for shifting Mandi Jail out of the town.
MLA Dharampur Chander Shekhar said that the present government is working to ensure the welfare of every section of the society. He said that with the blessings of the deities, the state government is constantly moving forward on the path of system change.
Former Minister Kaul Singh Thakur while welcoming the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on his arrival at Mandi said that Himachal Pradesh is the land of Gods and International Mandi Shivratri Mela is a part of the state's ancient culture.
The administration has decided to organize the cultural program at the historic Seri Manch instead of Paddal Ground.
Sukhu said "public sentiment of Mandi was to shift venue for cultural program to Seri Manch and the state government has done the needful."
Along with this, arrangements of deities and Dev Samaj have been made in Sanskriti Sadan Kangnidhar, to facilitate them in a better way.
For the first time in history of the Mahotsav, 53 inmates of various old age homes and orphanages of District Mandi are participating in the cultural nights of International Shivratri Mahotsav Mandi, thereby providing an apt platform to them to showcase their artistic skills.
In addition, special arrangements have been made for orphan children to participate in Shivratri festival and the district administration has made special arrangements for this.
