The Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) today bid affectionate adieu to Desh Raj, Music Composer of the Department’s Cultural Wing who is retiring on superannuation tomorrow on 28 February after rendering 42 years of service.A modest but impressive function was organized in this connection by the DIPR’s Cultural wing under the guidance of Cultural Officer, Mr Raman Joshi at the Forest Information Centre here.Director Information, Mr Muneer-ul-Islam, Joint Director Information Jammu, Mr Naresh Kumar, Joint Director Information (Headquarters), Mr SaajidYehaya Naqash, other officers and officials of DIPR and family and friends of Mr Desh Raj were present on the occasion.The artists and vocalists of the Department presented a fascinating cultural programme on the occasion which drew huge applaud from the audience. The artists included Jeevan Sharma, Vijay Anand, Yash Kumar, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Rakesh Kumar, Bunty Kumar, Balbir Kumar, Kewal Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Pallavi Koul, Bodh Raj, Mohinder Kumar, Amit Kumar, Bikram, Ajay Kumar and Ajay Sharma.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Information while hailing the contribution of Mr Desh Raj in the Department in different capacities wished him a happy and healthy prosperous post-retirement life.Impressed by the excellent performance of the artists, the Director Information said that steps would be taken to further strengthen and expand the Cultural Wing of the Department to provide a vibrant platform to the local artists to exhibit their talent and promote the State’s distinct cultural milieu.Mr Islam also appreciated the efforts of the Cultural Officer Mr Raman Joshi for organizing the programme.Joint Director Information Jammu Mr Naresh Kumar also spoke on the occasion and wished Mr Desh Raj a happy and healthy prosperous post-retirement life. He also hailed the contribution of Mr Desh Raj in the Department in different capacities during his long service career.A memento was also presented to Mr Desh Raj by the employees of DIPR on this occasion.