A delegation of journalists from the state of Odisha, currently on a visit to Himachal Pradesh under the aegis of the Press Information Bureau, called on Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhawan, today. The journalists shared their experiences of the State and held detailed discussions on its rich culture and traditions. The delegation is on a ten-day tour of the State and will visit various locations in Shimla, Kullu and Manali during their stay.
Interacting with the journalists, the Governor said that the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is reflected through such exchange programmes. He observed that India is a land of diverse languages and dialects, yet the spirit of unity binds the nation together, which is the true beauty of the country. He added that similar cultural exchange initiatives were also promoted during his tenure in Ladakh. He further remarked that while colonial rulers had attempted to divide the country, the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ has strengthened national unity and integration.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Governor said that rapid progress is being made in Himachal Pradesh, including landmark projects such as the Atal Tunnel, and similar advancements are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir through improved road, tunnel, and air and rail connectivity. He said that enhanced infrastructure has helped connect remote and border areas with the mainstream and emphasized that development of infrastructure should continue uninterrupted as it strengthens the nation’s image and growth.
Speaking about his priorities for the State, Shri Gupta said that greater focus should be placed on promoting local products to strengthen the rural economy. He emphasized the need to encourage the cultivation of medicinal plants and to further support initiatives such as drug de-addiction and natural farming, which had been actively promoted by previous Governors. He also stressed the importance of linking tourism with sports activities, particularly winter games, and providing skill development opportunities to channelize the energy of youth in a constructive direction. Referring to industrial growth, he said that industries should remain vibrant and sustainable. He added that he prefers to interact with people from all walks of life and is committed to working collectively for the development of the State.
Earlier, Assistant Director of the Press Information Bureau in Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sanjeev Sharma expressed gratitude to the Governor and felicitated him on the occasion.
The delegation also visited Lok Bhawan and expressed appreciation for the maintenance and preservation of the historic Heritage Building.
Secretary to the Governor, Shri C.P. Verma, was also present on the occasion.
