Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology Choudhary Lal Singh, today said that youth have vital role to play in preservation and promotion of state’s rich cultural heritage.The Minister was speaking during a Cultural Festival for promotion of Dogra Cultural Heritage organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kathua at Government Degree College for Women.A cultural programme depicting Dogra history, lifestyle, ceremonies, celebrations, festivals and other aspects of culture was organised on the occasion.The Minister said that the present dispensation is keen to ensure promotion of regional dialects of the state like Dogri language besides preserving culture and heritage of the state. He advised the students to learn different languages to excel in their academic pursuit besides giving equal importance to their local mother tongue- Dogri- by using it in their day to day life. He also called upon the stakeholders to preserve Dogri language for posterity as language acts as a bridge between two individuals.Lal Singh emphasized imparting knowledge about cultural and historical heritage at school level for grooming of children as cultural ambassadors.He also complimented the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) for organizing the Festival expressing hope that the organization will continue holding such events.District Youth Coordinator NYK, Som Zard, Principal, staff members, students, NYK volunteers and DFOs were present during the festival.