Chandigarh, April 13 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the festival of Baisakhi gives the message of happiness, joy and brotherhood. This auspicious festival is celebrated  uniquely in different provinces across the country. 

He said that on this day, farmers harvest their crops and bring it to the market.  This festival brings joy in the lives of farmers, labourers and others associated with this festival. Hence, these festivals teache us  about our culture and rituals, added the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister was speaking on the occasion of Baisakhi festival organized today under the joint aegis of Kurukshetra University and Haryana Kala Parishad.  

 Earlier, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal and Cultural Affairs Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal also inaugurated the Museum in Kurukshetra University based on the first War of Independence, 1857 built at a cost of Rs 5.38 crore and the Wall of Heroes Gallery. The Chief Minister also planted saplings and paid floral tributes on the photos of Param Vir Chakra awardees. The Chief Minister also planted saplings here and paid floral tributes on the portrayed of the heroes who won  Param Vir Chakra.

The Chief Minister also announced a cash reward of Rs. 3100 each to the artists present on the occasion. Besides this,  he also announced a cash reward of Rs. 31,000 to Hiti Batra, child artist from Panipat. 

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced for the preparation of  a proposal for a building for the artists to stay in the premises of Haryana Kala Parishad Kurukshetra.

This hostel building can also be used during fairs that are held in Kurukshetra.  Apart from this, Sh. Kanwar Pal also announced to give an cash reward of Rs. 51,000  to Ramkesh, an artist. 

The Chief Minister while wishing the people the occasion of New Year as per the Hindu calendar and Navratri  said that Haryana Kala Parishad was supposed to organise a  two-day cultural festival  but due to COVID-19 Pandemic, the function was  limited to an evening event.

He said that roots of Haryanvi culture is associated with such festivals.  The cultural heritage of this region is priceless and organizing arts and cultural festivals like this  is very important to make the younger generation cultured.

Keeping this objective in mind, the officers and artists of Haryana Kala Parishad are going to villages and towns and urging people to promote the culture of the state.  For this, Director, Haryana Arts Council, Sh. Sanjay Bhasin, Vice Chancellor, Kurukshetra University, Sh. Somnath Sachdeva and his team are doing commendable work.

The Chief Minister said that earlier governments used to come to enjoy power but the present state government has made this governance a route to serve the people of the state. 

The 2.75 crore population  of this state is just like family for the State Government and with the motto of Haryana Ek Haryanvi Ek the government has dedicatedly worked to unite the entire State. 

The government aims to make a unique cultural mark on the world map, said Sh. Manohar Lal. 

While wishing the festival of Baisakhi, Sh. Kanwar Pal said that to become a good citizen, it is very important to be aware of the culture and art of the state.  Artists of any state influence the society as a whole through their art and also make a significant contribution in removing social evils.  The state government is working to save the extinct art and artists, he added.