Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had rich culture, customs and traditions for which it was known not only in the country but world over also. He said that today there was a dire need to preserve our rich cultural heritage which was also need of the hour.Inaugurating the Culture Nite organized by Mahasu Vikas Sabha here last-evening, Chief Minister said that India presents a rich culture tradition with various forms of performing arts, music, dance and theatre which had occupied special place in the life of people. He said that Shimla District was known for its colourful folk dances, folk songs and lores which needed to be preserved at all costs. Prof. Dhumal said that State Government was according priority for the promotion of rich art and culture of the State. He said that a separate gallery to show case the rich culture of the State would be added and opened to the public during current financial year. Tracing the history of Mahasu, he said that Mahsu District was formed by including many erstwhile estates, which was merged in Shimla district later on.Chief Minister also congratulated Mahasu Vikas Sabha for organizing the Culture Nite and said that such occasions not only provide us an opportunity of assembling on a particular platform but also inculcate a spirit of national integration. He said that Shimla District had made significant development since its inception which was a matter of pride for us. He said that the State was witnessing uniform and balanced development without any discrimination with any region and area of the State and added that the bogy of lower and upper had been buried for ever by the present Government. He also called upon the people of that State to come forward and lend their supportive hands for the development of the State. He said that it was due to concerted efforts of the Government that today Himachal Pradesh had emerged a leading State in socio-economic development in the Country. He said that conferment of 67 Awards by National and International Agencies of repute was testimony of the best performance of the State in many developmental fields and added that credit for it goes to the people of the State. He said that Mahasu Vikas Sabha would work for acceleration the pace of development in their area. Chief Minister was also honoured with Himachali Cap and Shawl on the occasion. A colourful culture programme by local cultural troupe and singers was also presented on the occasion. On arrival at Engine Ghar Sanjauli, Chief Minister was given traditional welcome by Mahasu Vikas Sabha, BJP workers and other local people. Sat Pal Satti, State BJP President said that significant development of the State was carried out under the leadership of Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, the result of which were being witnessed today. He also congratulated Mahasu Vikas Sabha on this occasion. Suresh Bhardwaj, local MLA welcomed the Chief Minister on the occasion. He said that the pace of development under the stewardship of Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal was accelerated in the State. He said that the ‘Vikas Yatra’ which started in 1998 in the State by BJP Government was yielding desired results. Present among other on the occasion were Smt. Bimla Kashyap, M.P., Shri Ganesh Dutt, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Smt. Roopa Sharma, Vice Chairman, State Mahila BJP, Smt. Veena Thakur, Chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Sher Singh Chauhan, Distt. BJP President, Smt. Satya Kaundal, Councillor, BJP Senior leaders and workers, District Officers and prominent persons of Shimla District.