Manali,June 21:Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister flagged off the Sindhu Darshan Yatra organized by Himalaya Parivar, Himachal Pradesh from Manali in district Kullu last evening.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chief Minister said that need had emerged to accord top priority to construct railway line to connect Laddakh area of Jammu and Kashmir bordering China. He said that it was strategically important for the nation to maintain connection with the border areas and transport manpower and material required to develop and protect the national boundaries. He said that the new railway line would further boost the tourism activities in the area benefiting people with more income generation activities.
Chief Minister said that China had already achieved the target of connecting Lhasa city and border with all weather railway line, which was an example of modern technology. He said that keeping in view the strategic importance of the railway line, the matter had been raised at the highest level for initiating required steps to achieve the objective.
Prof. Dhumal said that "Yatra" was a customary and traditional part of Indian culture, undertaken with zeal, carrying the message of peace, non-violence and national integration. He said that initiation of Sindhu Darshan Yatra was a step towards preservation of culture of the country. He said that the country was under serious cultural attacks and attention was required to be paid for upholding our cultural identity.
Chief Minister welcomed the participants of the Yatra and hoped that they would disseminate the message of good will, friendship, universal brotherhood and communal harmony. He said that the pious Yatra would go a long way in promoting rich cultural heritage of the country. He added that it would also contribute towards strengthening the national integration.
Chief Minister also honoured the participants of the Yatra on behalf of the Himalaya Pariwar.
Shri Gobind Thakur, local MLA proposed vote of thanks. He said that such activities were must to revive the cultural heritage of the country in real sense.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, Convener, Sindhu Darshan Yatra welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed out the importance of the Yatra from the mythological point of view.
Shri Kamal Khatri, Associate of Himalaya Parivar also spoke on the occasion.
Shri Kishan Kapoor, Transport Minister, Shri Khimi Ram, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, MLA and President, State BJP, other dignitaries and senior officers were also present.