Shimla: Rich tributes were paid today to the architect of modern Himachal Pradesh and the first Chief Minister Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar on his 116th birth anniversary at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni. To celebrate the occasion, a special lecture was organized by the university. The main speaker was Padam Shri Awardee Vidyanand Saraik, a renowned multifaceted folk artist, and writer who has been striving to conserve and revive hill culture for over five decades.
The event began with the university officials and staff paying floral tributes to the visionary leader whose strenuous efforts led to the full statehood of Himachal Pradesh. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel said that the naming of the university after the visionary leader of Himachal was a matter of great pride and honour for all the students and staff of the university. Professor Chandel said that Dr. Parmar set the state on the path of progress by advocating sustainable development of agriculture, horticulture and forestry activities in the state. Urging the students to read the various literary works of the late leader, Prof. Chandel said that the true tribute to him will be when every citizen of the state follows the footsteps of Dr. Parmar and contributed to preserving and promoting hill culture and heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vidyanand Saraik said that Dr. Parmar was a true champion of the hill people and fully dedicated towards the upliftment of the state. He talked about his several interactions with Dr. Parmar and how he always appreciated the folk artists and culture. He shared several anecdotes from his life and told the gathering how he was deeply inspired and indebted to Dr. Parmar for promoting the local culture and art. He also talked about Dr. Parmar appreciation and interest in Pahari folk music. He requested the students to embrace their culture and heritage. Shri Saraik also planted a tree at the university campus and visited the Parmar museum to view a collection of several photographs from Dr. Parmar life. Earlier Dr. Ravinder Sharma welcomed the guests. Dr. Divender Gupta presented the vote of thanks. All the statutory officers, staff and students were present on the occasion.