The memorials built by the State government play a very important role to make the youth aware about the rich cultural heritage of the State, opined Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Punjab while presiding over the ‘Dr. M.S. Randhawa Festival’ at Punjab Kala Bhawan sector 16, last evening.Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the role of Dr. Randhawa in the field of Punjabi literature, culture and art and said that he made a great contribution to them. He added that organizing festival in memory of such a respectable personality is paying a sincere tribute to him. He urged thousands present on the occasion to come with entire family and always be a part of the festivals organized to promote art, culture and language.
Mr. Thandal informed that during the last 9 years, State Government has set up many important cultural monunents. He said that government has developed Virast-e-khalsa museum at Sri Anadpur Sahib in the memory of foundation of Khalsa Panth , Memorial of Chhota and Vadda Ghalughara and monument in the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Chappar Chiri which are proving to be a connect between the past and the present. He said that to commemorate the role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle of India, Jung-e-Azadi memorial is being developed at Kartarpur and aWar Memorial at Amritsar are being developed. He said that these memorials will make people aware of the marshal history of Punjab. He also stressed upon the need to ensure that younger generation remains duly attached to Punjabi, their mother tongue.Mr. Thandal felicitated Bibi Harjinder Kaur, Chairperson,Punjab Kala Parishad for organizing Randhawa Festival and said that it is a good initiative to connect the people of Chandigarh with the culture.Earlier, Chairperson, Punjab Kala Parishad honoured Mr. Thandal. A Kewal Dhaliwal directed play ‘Nora’ was staged on this occasion