It is evident that only those civilizations have survived which have preserved their traditions and customs, said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while presiding over the cultural programme organized by Lela Meme Foundation of Lahaul Spiti at historic Gaiety theatre here today.He said that the folklores and folk dramas were fast vanishing which once were integral part of our lives and reflected the rich history of the regions. “There was a need to revive the same by conducting a thorough research and learning from those who possessed the treasure” he said.The Chief Minister said that the rich customs and culture of the State needs to be preserved at all cost despite the fact that we were moving fast ahead in the changing socio-economic scenario. He said that it was rather good to adjust with the modern changes but at the same time it was our foremost duty to conserve our traditions and pass it on to the coming generations.The Chief Minister also honoured the instrumentalists and performers on the occasion and felicitated the Lela Meme Foundation for its unique initiative. The Chief Minister also announced a sum of Rs 5 lakh for the Foundation to carry on its activities.Prof Chander Mohan Parsheera welcomed the Chef Minister and honoured him on the occasion. He said that the main motive behind organizing this function was to introduce the younger generation to the age old traditions of Lahaul and Spiti as evident from the theme of the function ‘Turning the Wheels of the Musical Legacy’.President, of the foundation Sh Mangal Chand Manepa also welcomed the Chief Minister.