SHIMLA 16th February 2012 : India is poised to emerge world leader by following the path shown by ancient Indian scriptures.
This was stated by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, while addressing a mammoth gathering assembled to commemorate 97th birth anniversary of late Thakur Ram Singh after he paid floral tribute at the portrait of great thinker and philosopher, at Thakur Jagdev Chand Memorial Research Institute, Neri, in Hamirpur, today.
Chief Minister said that late Thakur Ram Singh was a great visionary leader and a legend in himself. He was exceptionally intelligent and had passed Masters Degree in history from Panjab University, Lahore during pre-independence era. He said that he served in different capacities in different parts of the country and disseminated the message of patriotism and nationalism, and thereafter finally opted to stay in Himachal Pradesh and wished to set up a research institute in Himachal to study and trace the factual history of the country in general and Himachal Pradesh in particular and also constituted ‘Itihas Sankalan Samiti’. He said that the State Government willingly provided land for setting up of the Research Institute at Neri in Hamirpur. He narrated various other interesting events related to the life and activities of late Thakur Ram Singh. He said that real tribute to late Thakur Ram Singh would be to take inspiration from the life he lived and path he had shown to the young people. He assured the Research Institute of all possible help in carrying forward with its research and development activities.
Prof. Dhumal said that India has a glorious past and has rich cultural heritage. He said that entire universe was a global village and in many ways emotionally integrated. He said that India even during pre-independence era had global access and had maintained religious and trade relations with countries. He said that historical evidences had been traced that Indian culture, tradition and civilization had its impact all over the world. He said that only those nations which had upheld and preserved their rich cultural heritage had made their mark globally. He credited film producer Rama Nand Sagar for reproducing Ramayan serial to acquaint modern generation to their glorious past.
Chief Minister said that secular word had been misinterpreted and related to religious affinity; however it had to be interpreted as duty. He said that every individual was free to adopt any faith of his choice but he had certain duties to perform towards his family, society and the nation. He said that Indian system of life had been most liberal since the time immemorial.
Chief Minister dedicated ‘Himachal Pradesh Ke Sthan Naam’ edited by Dr. Vidya Chand Thakur and ‘Sirmour Tatha Shimla Zila Ki Lok Gathayen’ edited by Dr. Om Prakash Sharma published by Department of Language and
Culture in association with Thakur Jagdev Chand Memorial Research Institute to late Thakur Ram Singh on his 97th birthday.
Mahant Surya Nath jee also blessed the audience.
Shri O Nyamtova, former Mangolian Ambassador to India delved upon ancient bilateral relations of Mangolia with India, with special reference to Himachal Pradesh, revealing religious and diplomatic ties. He detailed bilateral relations in different sectors between two countries after independence.
Dr. Vidya Chand Thakur and Dr. Om Prakash Sharma, Editors of the books introduced audience to the contents of the books.
Shri Chet Ram, Convenor, Thakur Jagdev Chand Memorial Research Institute, detailed about the activities of the Institute after offering tributes to late Thakur Ram Singh. He said that a number of Ph.D scholars had started taking benefit of the Institute’s Library. He said that Thakur Ram Singh had dedicated his life for the cause of the nation and had firm faith that future of India was bright.
Shri Ishwar Dass Dhiman, Education Minister, Shri Virender Kanwar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Baldev Sharma and Smt. Urmil Thakur, MLAs, Shri Chet Ram, Advisor, Thakur Jagdev Chand Memorial Research Institute, Mahant Surya Nath ji, Dr. Baldev Prakash Chawla, former Minister Punjab and Chairman, Water Management Board, Punjab, Shri Pyare Lal Sharma, Chairman, APMC, and State President, BJP Kisan Morcha, Shri R.S. Mankotia, Chairman, Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, Shri Des Raj Sharma, President, District Hamirpur BJP and other prominent dignitaries were present on the occasion.
