Sidhu announces grant of ₹1 cr to Punjab Arts Council
AMRITSAR: Punjab local bodies and tourism minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday announced a grant of ₹1 crore for Punjab Arts Council for achieving the goal of perpetuating the rich cultural legacy of the state.
Addressing the gathering during a function held to commemorate the 141st birth anniversary of legendary Punjabi poet Dhani Ram Chatrik at his native village Lopoke, the local bodies minister said this function was a part of the programme chalked out by the state government to preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage.
While announcing a campaign to disseminate the message of saving the glorious legacy in every village of Punjab, he said that it was unfortunate that the current young generation has forgotten the state’s heritage. “The council has moved out of Chandigarh office for the first time to spread the message of saving our culture in all villages of Punjab,” Sidhu said.
Replying to a query about discrimination with Punjabi language by the Chandigarh administration, Sidhu said he has discussed the matter with the education minister of Punjab and after Gurdaspur Lok Sabha poll, they will reinstate the dignity of their mother tongue.
On the occasion, chairman of Punjab Arts Council and noted Punjabi poet Surjit Patar paid floral tributes to Dhani Ram Chatrik. “We are fortunate to be here to pay homage to the renowned poet at his native village,” Patar said. He also asked the school students to play an instrumental role in following his foot prints.
Deputy commissioner Kamaljeet Singh Sangha underlined the need of organising more such programmes for attaining the real goal of preservation of culture. He also expressed hope that the concerted efforts made by the state government and arts council will produce desirous results.
Sidhu along with Patar and other dignitaries visited the historical Preet Nagar village near Lopoke.
The village was set up by noted Punjabi writer Gubaksh Singh Preetlari where a seminar was also organised.