CHANDIGARH, DEC 2
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal today said that though India and Pakistan has different geographically boundaries but both have the same culture and added that the relationship between the two countries could be further strengthened through exchange of cultural programmes.
The Chief Minister was speaking as a Chief Guest after inaugurating a 3-day Indo-Pak International Theater Festival organized by On Theater Group, Jind in collaboration with Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra at Kurushetra today.
Mr. Manohar Lal said that Indo-Pak International Theater Festival would play a vital role in keeping a strong bond between the countries and suggested that such kind of Theater Festivals should be organized in both India and Pakistan. He said that though he was not an artist but he was a true admirer of art as during various ups and down of life, all forms of arts play a vital role in keeping us stress free and helps in maintaining a sense of excitement in our lives.
The Chief Minister said that India and Pakistan became two independent countries in the year 1947. He said that today there were lakhs of families in Haryana whose ancestors belonged to western Pakistan. Similarly, there are lakhs of families in Pakistan who originally belonged to Haryana. Citing his example, the Chief Minister said his family hailed from Jhang district of Pakistan.
Mr Manohar Lal said that once former Prime Minister Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that friends could change but not the neighbourers.
On this occasion Mr Manohar Lal honoured three artists for their outstanding contribution in the field of culture. On Theater Group International Theater Award for Peace was given to Dr Madiha Gauhar of Pakistan. Similarly, On Theater Group Award and Haryanvi Lok Rang Samman was given to renowned Bollywood actor Robin Das and Sangi Mr Suraj Bedi respectively.
Speaking on this occasion Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Retd. Left Gen D.D.S Sandhu said that it was a matter of pride that Indo -Pak International Theater Festival was being organized in Kurukshetra University. He said that it was the first visit of Mr Manohar Lal to the University after assuming the office of Chief Minister. He said that Kurukshetra University ranks 15th among all universities of the country and ranks number one in terms of organizing cultural activities. The university has been organizing cultural programme, Ratanawali for the last 29 years depicting the culture and tradition of the State.
Director, On Theater Group Mr Pawan Arya said that the main aim of this Indo -Pak International Theater Festival was to further strengthen the bond between both the countries through cultural programmes. He said that group has been organizing cultural events since the year 2005 in collaboration with various government and non-government organizations.
Director, Ajaka Theater Group, Pakistan Mrs Madiha Gauhar said that the group has been organizing cultural events in Pakistan and other countries for the last 30 years. She said that efforts were being made through such prograames to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood among both the countries. She reminded that the famous sufi Bulle Shah also wanted that we should live with love and brotherhood and we have came here to spread the same message, she added.
Earlier, the artists of Pakistan presented a play Bullha directed by Madeeha Gauhar which was applauded by the audiences.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr Krishan Bedi, MLA Mr Subhas Sudha, OSD Mr Jawahar Yadav, OSD Media Mr Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
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