Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU
Amidst blooming flowers seen as the quintessence of spring, the season of exuberance, Governor Dr K K Paul inaugurated the two-day Vasantotsav at Raj Bhawan on Saturday. Following the inauguration, he released the special postal cover brought out by the postal department on Vana Tulasi, which, endowed with medicinal and religious import, grows in abundance at altitude from 750 to 3000 metres in Uttarakhand. Later, he went around the exhibition showcasing motley of flowers. To make vasantotsav more colourful state culture department had orgnaised cultural evening at auditorium as well.
He also inaugurated the philately, which is being put up by the Postal department at the fest since 2015. The Governor’s own stamp collection of 1800 stamps was the centre of attraction for the visitors. This year, the Governor organized a philately competition for school students, who collect stamps.
Dr Paul made it clear that this event was held not just to celebrate flowers and exhibit equipments but was like a folk festival that people could visit with their families and enjoy the beauty of nature, music, entertainment and food.
Floriculture could prove a beneficial economic activity for small farmers in Uttarakhand, Making comparison with last year, the increased production of flowers had given rise to hope that floriculture could flourish here. The growing area that had come under floriculture was a good sign. The cultivation of tulips in Raj Bhawan had given rise to the hope that this exotic flower could be grown commercially in the state.
Besides being Devbhumi, Uttarakhand was also a land of flowers. To establish Uttarakhand as a Floriculture state, we must make efforts to take advantage of the conducive environment./ climate.
The painting competition increased the enthusiasm of the students and also added to their confidence. It may be mentioned here that this year 1069 students participated in the painting competition as compared to last year’s 700. Divyaang children also participated in the competition along with students from various schools. For various competitions in the fest, 1581 entries were registered including categories like commercial flower growers, flower lovers and institutions.
Zerbera, Carnations, Gladioli, Lillies, cut flowers ,potted plants, cacti, dry flower arrangements ,bonsais and many other varieties lent beauty to the event.ITBP jawans presented judo karate dislay .Boys and girls from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya presented a Yoga display.
A Khukri dance was presented by jawans of Gurkha Regiment. 127 stalls of seeds and equipments related to agriculture, horticulture and floriculture were a great attraction.Organic products and jute / bamboo items were available. ITBP had displayed the equipment by which you can save yourself during disaster.
A photo and art gallery added to the stature of the event. Floral Rangoli for women and folk dance/ music were other great attractions. Present at the inauguration were chief minister Harish Rawat, Legal advisor to the Governor Vivek Bharti Sharma, finance controller K.C.Pandey , chief post master general Uday Krishna ,secretary Horticulture R.Meenakshi Sundaram, Director (Horticulture) V.S.Negi and several senior officials.
