Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today underlined the need for bringing people of Himalayan regions with dissimilar cultural and life styles under a common platform to foster better understanding, exchange of ideas and sharing of cultural values.
Presiding over the Himalaya Festival-2013 organised by Himachal Tourism Department in collaboration with Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Dharamshala, at the historic Ridge, here Singh expressed happiness that in the present age of modernisation, the people of Himalayan region had kept their culture, traditions and life style intact.
"Organising Himalayan Festival, which would go a long way in promoting friendship and cultural understanding among people especially living in the Himalayan regions is an excellent initiative and the state government would endeavour to organise another festival in elaborate manner in the near future, by inviting all states of Himalayan region," he said.
Singh said that India and Tibet had a long association and "we were happy that the Dalai Lama was living in Himachal Pradesh."
He said there were certain issues of concern on the northern borders which should be resolved amicably by mutual efforts.
"People of India were well-wishers of Tibetans residing here and we wish to see them back in their own country, soon and live as they desire," the chief minister said.
Lobsang Sangay Sikyong, Prime Minister of CTA in-exile said the Tibetan people living here were indebted to Himachal government and the government of India for providing all support in hosting them and providing education at subsidised rates.
He said Tibetan people owed special gratitude towards Himachal government as Head office of the Tibetan Government in exile was based at Dharamshala.
He expressed hope that the Himalaya festival would spread a message to the people world over to come and enjoy the natural beauty, hospitality and kindness of the people of the state.
