Vasantotsav-2018 opens for all by Dr Paul

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Governor Dr KK Paul has inaugurated the annual Vasantotsav ,organized by the Horticulture and Food Processing department , at the Raj Bhawan on saturday.

The inauguration took place amid a variety of colourful flowers, music,dance and a large number of people who came to witness this event. He also released the first day postal cover on the herb Jambu on the occasion.

After inaugurating the event, the Governor went around the campus and met all participants .Since 2015, the postal department has been involved in this festival with its philately exhibition which was also inaugurated by the Governor .Stamps from the Governor’s own collection were also exhibited. The Governor told the media persons present on the occasion that this annual spring festival had become an important cultural event of Dehradun where people could enjoy the beauty of nature, music and food.
In Uttarakhand, floriculture could become a commercially beneficial activity. Expensive flowers like Tulip must be cultivated. These flowers, grown successfully at Raj Bhawan, could be grown in the state. The output of flowers in the state was growing, he said.

Dr Paul said that more and more children were now participating in the painting competition of Vasantotsav. It would boost their talent and confidence. Differently-abled children and underprivileged children also joined the school children who took part in the competition . Entries included commercial flower growers ,hobbyists and government institutions. Zerbera, carnation, gladioli and lilly were among the cut-flower categories .Potted plants, dry flowers, fresh flowers,cacti ,Bonsai and vegetable plants are part of the categories.

A Judo Karate display by ITBP, a Yoga display by students of DSVV and a Khukri Dance by Gurkha Regiment added to the charm of the festival. Agricultural tools and equipment were available at the stalls .
Present at the inauguration were the first lady, Omita Paul, cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal, chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary Ravi Nath Raman, finance controller KC Pandey, chief post master general MC Pandey, director (horticulture) Dr BS Negi and several senior officers of the administration.