An amazing display of folk dance, satirical drama and scintillating local art mixed with traditional attire today marked the celebrations of Baisakhi festival being organized by Department of Tourism in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and languages (JKAACL) at Octroi Post in Suchetgarh.Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary was the chief guest on the occasion. MLC, Ramesh Arora, Chief Engineer, PHE Susheel Aima, Chief Engineer, Ravi-Tawi Irrigation Complex HC Jerath, Executive Director, Communication and Capacity Development Unit of PHE, I&FC Department Rajeev Malhotra and Assistant Director, Department of Tourism Rupali Mahajan, besides other senior officers of various departments and district administration were present in the festival celebrations.While addressing the gathering, the Minister said these festivals strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among different sections of the society.
It also beings happiness for the farmers, who toil hard in the agricultural fields throughout the year, just to see their crops floating in the open air, he added.He further said the government is taking one step after the other for promoting tourism activities in the State and holding different mega events on the occasion of Baisakhi is a testimony to the fact that government is keen to boost the economy of JK through tourism.MLC Ramesh Arora, in his address, appreciated the efforts of the artists who tried to put across message of cleanliness, water conservation and eradication of various social evils from the society through their cultural performances.Earlier in the day, the Minister also paid tributes to principal architect of the Constitution of India, Dr. BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary in a function organized at Suchetgarh.