Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar while addressing a huge gathering of Himachalis in the Himalayan Himachal Samaroh – 2019 organised by the Himalayan Jagriti Manch at New Delhi, urged them to preserve the rich traditions and unique culture of the Pradesh. He asked them to work towards this objective while staying united in the National Capital Region. He said that it was a matter of pride to be a Himachali as the State is a model of development and its development indicators have been lauded at national level and also by the World Bank. He said that the Chief Minister of the State has presented a development oriented budget on 9th February which shall strengthen the development process further. He said that the leaders of the state were sensitive to the issues of the people and were making best efforts to resolve them at state level and also taking them up with the centre. Shanta Kumar stressed upon the need for honesty and sincerity while performing our duties and added that only dutiful citizens can contribute to a strong society and nation. He said that we have huge responsibility towards the society we live in and underlined the importance of cultivating compassion towards the needy and underprivileged. He quoted Swami Vivekananda and his teachings regarding adopting a missionary approach for serving the society and extending a helping hand to the poor and needy and added that a man is known for his kindness and compassion more than his status in the society. Service to society is service to almighty, he added. He urged all the officers and Himachalis working in Delhi in various organizations to perform their duties sincerely and honestly.He greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami and also lauded the philanthropic activities of Himalayan Jagriti Manch in the national capital.Various personalities who rendered distinguished services in their respective fields were honoured by Shanta Kumar.Homage was paid to martyrs and their supreme sacrifices were remembered on the occasion.President Himalayan Jagriti Manch S.S. Chauhan detailed out the activities of the Manch and spoke about various issues related to state people residing in NCR. MC Councillor Satpal Kharwal, Director H P Cricket Association and Member Planning Board Sanjay Sharma, Senior, officers serving in Centre government and Himachalis living in Delhi were present on the occasion.