Governor Kavinder Gupta recently called for collective efforts to safeguard the State’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and traditional way of life. Speaking at the inauguration of Mukhautasur—a two-day theatre festival based on S.R. Harnot’s novel Hidimb and presented by Chandernahan Rangmanch, Rohru at Shimla’s historic Gaiety Theatre—he highlighted the production’s strong message regarding environmental conservation and the protection of folk culture against growing commercial interests.
The Governor lauded the artists and director Krish Bharti for crafting a socially relevant play that reflects the contemporary challenges confronting Himalayan society, including environmental degradation, the erosion of cultural values, and the rising menace of substance abuse among youth. He specifically praised the seamless incorporation of local folk songs, dialects, and traditional elements, noting that these features ground the play deeply in the soil and identity of the state, while reminding audiences that Himachal Pradesh should not be viewed merely as a tourism destination.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi, the Governor emphasized that development must go hand in hand with heritage preservation and environmental stewardship through initiatives like Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. He appealed to citizens to converse in local languages at home, celebrate traditional festivals with pride, and connect the younger generation with their cultural roots, alongside keeping forests and rivers clean and safeguarding youth from social evils.
Concluding his address, the Governor commended the growing academic recognition of S.R. Harnot’s novel across universities in India and abroad. He congratulated Chandernahan Rangmanch, the cast and crew, and the Himalayan Literature, Culture and Environment Forum, Shimla, for successfully organizing the event.
भविष्य की नींव और सांस्कृतिक उल्लास: सनरॉक प्ले स्कूल का भव्य वार्षिक उत्सव
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Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
