Chandigarh, November 13– To encourage tourism in the state, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal has directed the officers concerned to take strategic initiatives to bring ancient heritage sites like Kurukshetra, known for the battle of Mahabharata, Lohgarh the first Capital of the Sikh empire to the Civilizations that existed even before the Harappan and Mohenjodaro times, on the world map.

These directions were given by the Chief Minister on the occasion of release of Special Cover made by the Department of Archaeology and Museums in association with the Indian Postal Department on Rakhigarhi, the world famous archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Minister of State for Archaeological and Museums (Independent Charge) Mr. Anoop Dhanak was also present on this occasion.

The Chief Minister while wishing the people Dhanteras and Diwali said that mythology, culture, and history have their own importance. Elaborating on it further he said that any country or state can be on the path of progress only if its youth is aware about its history and culture. Laying emphasis on the importance of history he said that Haryana has more than 100 sites with historical and mythological prominence and the state should work towards preserving such sites with a motive of promoting the importance of ancient culture for future generations. Besides this, tourism will also be encouraged at these sites.

Sharing historical anecdotes, the Chief Minister said that the battle fought against Mughals by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who was the first commander of the Sikh Empire, has its roots in Haryana. Moreover, Lohgarh which was the Capital of Yamunanagar, under Banda Bahadur will also be developed so as to promote tourism in that area and a Museum along with a Martial Arts School is also being established there. Sharing more details he said that the place of origin of the Saraswati River, Adi Badri is also being developed majestically.

Minister of State for Archaeology & Museums, Mr. Anoop Dhanak, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for issuing the Special Cover. He said that the release of this Special Cover would further enhance the importance of the archeological site of Rakhigarhi.

Chief Secretary, Mr. Vijai Vardhan said that Rakhigarhi has special importance as it is related to a civilization older than the Harappan and Mohenjodaro. Divulging details of the Rakhigarhi Civilization he shared that the ancient and invaluable artefacts found during excavation of the site suggest that the state of Haryana must have been highly developed during that era. He added that a Museum and a Lecture Centre are being set up in Rakhigarhi. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister on whose initiative the Saraswati Heritage Board has been set up, which is working towards bringing the ancient civilization on the world map.

Principal Secretary, Department of Archeology and Museums, Dr. Ashok Khemka, also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for releasing a special cover on Rakhigarhi at the archaeological site.

On this occasion, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ms. Ashima Brar, Director, Department of Archeology and Museums, Ms. Mandeep Kaur, Chief Post Master General, Mr. V.K. Gupta Chandigarh Circle and other officers were present.