Two-day Basant Mela begins on high note

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 9

Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma today announced to make local Virsa Vihar a hub of socio-cultural activities in the region to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of the state among the coming generations.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the two-day Basant Mela at the local Virsa Vihar, the Deputy Commissioner said it was the need of the hour to acquaint youngsters about the rich cultural heritage of the state.

He said since ages the state had not only been the sword arm of the country but it had also been a repository of rich cultural legacy, which had been passed to people generations after generations. However, strenuous efforts need to be made to ensure that the coming generations were apprised of its glorious culture.

The Deputy Commissioner said for the purpose, the Virsa Vihar could play an instrumental role.

He said an open auditorium would be constructed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh within two months. After Basant Panchami, the administration would also organise a special Baisakhi festival after two months.

Sharma said a training for classical singing and music would be imparted from the Virsa Vihar in the days to come. A special summer camp would also be organised during the summer vacations for students. The basic idea was to ensure that Virsa Vihar was developed as an epicentre of socio-culture activities.

A dance competition was organised among schoolchildren where Pooja, Gitika and Meenakshi were the judges. A music competition was also organised where Vandana Sharma and folk singer Dalwinder Dyalpuri were the judges. A kite-flying competition was also held.

Prominent among others present on the occasion included Alok Sondhi, Deepak Jalandhari, Prof Inderjit Singh, Capt IS Dhami, District Education Officer Harvinder Pal Singh, Deputy District Education Officer Anil Awasthi, principal Maninder Kaur, social activist Veenu Kamboj and Red Cross secretary Paramjit Singh.