UP govt to make Kanshiram B'day a mega-event

Lucknow, Aug 4 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today announced to celebrate birth anniversary of BSP ideologue Kanshiram on March 15, 2008 as a mega-event which would include installation of his statue along with that of chief minister Mayawati at a prominent place of the state capital.

A decision to this effect was taken here yesterday at the state cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister.

About a week-long extravaganza which includes various cultural, social and academic events in the state capital has been planned from March 11 to 15 next year on the occasion.

Quiz, story and essay competetion, plays, debate, street plays, seminars, lectures and other events would be organised as part of the 'mega-event'.

The idea it is to remember the contribution of Kanshiram towards the uplift of downtrodden section of society, said an official spokesman said.

The state cabinet also decided to institute 'Manyawar Kanshiram Swabhiman Puruskar' in the field of writing. The language institute would give cash award of Rs 2.50 lakh and citation in recognition of literary achievements. Some more awards would be set up in the field of social service, arts, culture and women empowerment.

The UP government also decided to establish 'poor super-speciality hospital' in the state capital where 40 per cent of poor patients would receive free treatment. In addition to it, ' Manyawar Kanshiram Ji Nagar', a self-sufficient township would also be set up in the state in memory of the late BSP leader.

Several government departments like information, education, youth welfare, language, social welfare, culture and women welfare departments have been pressed into service to make this ambitious event a success.

A documentary film on the life and times of Kanshiram would also be made and released on the occasion, the spokesman added.

UNI