Shimla
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called upon people of Purvanchal to keep traditions and heritage alive in order to preserve the rich cultural tapestry of Purvanchal for posterity. He was speaking in the 7th MATI Samman Samaroh organised by Mati Trust at New Delhi today. The event was dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of Purvanchal.
The Governor highlighted the significance of preserving the rich folk songs that reflect the region’s culture, emphasizing their role in establishing a strong connection with past traditions for future generations. Speaking about the land, he said though the dialects, food, and traditions vary across the region, the spirit of Purvanchal unites its people nationwide.
Furthermore, the Governor emphasized the importance of ‘Sanatan Sanskriti’ and urged present and future generations to be both aware of and proud of its significance. He spoke about Purvanchal’s greatness, citing landmarks like the holy city of Kashi and the Geeta Press of Gorakhpur, renowned for publishing holy books such as the Ramayan, found in households nationwide.
Additionally, the Governor paid homage to the region’s heroes in the freedom struggle, acknowledging their resilience against injustice. He then honored prominent personalities from Purvanchal who made significant contributions in various fields, including folk singer Smt. Malini Awasthy, Dr. N. L. Khanna, Ravi Dubey, Rajnikant Rai, Chandrashekhar Singh, and N. K. Yadav. Sh Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman Mati Trust outlined the aims and objectives of the Trust.
Member of the Trust, Prof. Jitender Shrivastav, welcomed the Chief Guest and others.
Convener, Asif Azmi proposed vote of thanks.
Former Minister Vijay Goel, prominent persons belonging to Purvanchal and Purvanchalis residing in NCR were present on the occasion.
