Chandigarh, January 28- Haryana Chief Minister while paying rich tributes to Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji on his 93rd Birth Anniversary announced to give Rs. 21 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation.

While, speaking as the Chief Guest during at the press meet organized to celebrate the 93rd Birth Anniversary of Pandit Jasraj ji, Sh. Manohar Lal made several important announcements for the native village of Pandit Jasraj.  These include construction of Pandit Jasraj welcome gates at both the entrances of his native village Pilli Mandori, district Fatehabad, establishing two volleyball nurseries for boys and girls, developing park and Vayayamshalas, developing dirty water ponds of the village as model ponds by the Haryana Pond and Wastewater Management Authority, construction of a new library building and renaming the Oxyvan established in Panchkula after Pandit Jasraj.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Sh. Manohar Lal said that Haryana’s world-famous Son, Pandit Jasraj ji has brought great pride to the State and in order to continue with his legacy, a framework for the development of Pandit Jasraj's village Pilli Mandori has been made by the State Government. 

Sharing his views on how our rich culture and music play a critical role in overall development and growth of the next generation, the Sh. Manohar Lal said, “It is a matter of pride that Pandit Jasraj Ji was born in Haryana. He is considered one of the greatest Indian Classical Vocalists. His contribution is a treasure of the musical world. I assure to extend all possible cooperation to the Foundation for carrying forward the legacy of Pandit Jasraj ji.”

The Chief Minister said that art and culture is an integral part of Haryana’s soil. While carrying forward our rich traditions and culture we have been organizing International Gita Mahotsav to take immortal message taught by Lord Shri Krishna across the globe, he said.

“The work of any government is not limited to infrastructural development only but working for the welfare of the society while instilling a social responsibility is also one of the utmost duties of any government.  Beti Bacho Beti Padhao call given by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is one of the best examples of this social responsibility presented by Haryana,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Wife of Pandit Jasraj ji, Smt. Madhura Pandit Jasraj ji expressed gratitude towards Sh. Manohar Lal for paying rich tributes to Pandit Jasraj Ji by making several important announcements for his village.

Echoing the same, Durga Jasraj (Founder of Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation and daughter of Pandit Jasraj ji) said that Haryana’s world-famous Son, Pandit Jasraj ji has brought great pride to the State and in order to continue with his legacy, the Foundation shall undertake various activities year-round to develop and sustain Cultural awareness amongst the people of the State.

Apart from soft initiatives, Durga Jasraj also spoke about the development of Pili Mandori village, the birthplace of Pandit Jasraj ji to upgrade educational facilities, Sports facilities, the existing Pandit Motiram Pustkalay and other works contributing to responsible Biodiversity in the area.

Padma Shri Sonu Nigam expressed his joy at being a part of the occasion and said that he is proud that his roots belong to Haryana. He said that besides sports and agriculture, Haryana has shined bright even in the field of music.

“There is a great need to work more to promote music and for this whenever Haryana will need my contribution, I will come happily,” said Sh. Sonu Nigam.

MP, Kartikeya Sharma, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Amit Agrawal, ADGP, Sh. Shrikant Jadhav, Publicity Advisor, Sh. Tarun Bhandari and other eminent dignatries remained present.