Dhumal announces revival of Sobha Singh Awards

Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today announced the revival of Sobha Singh Awards in the state, saying such awards instituted by his previous government motivate the young and budding artists to exhibit their talent.

Besides reviving the awards, the government would hold an on the spot painting competition in the memory of renowned painter on his birthday in November, he said after inaugurating the Dainik Bhaskar's Summer Shopping festival at Palampur in Kangra district.

Mr Dhumal said that earlier BJP Government (1998-2003) had instituted such awards during its earlier tenure which were discontinued by the previous Congress Government due to the reasons best known to them.

"Such awards motivate the young and budding artists to exhibit their talent through painting competition and are a step towards promotion of artistic pursuits," he said.

He said his government was committed to protect the interests of the craftsman and small traders by providing them every opportunity to generate additional income and educate the people about the modern marketing trends.

"Employment generation is one of the top priorities of this government and every policy and programme is directed towards it," he said and added that such events also help in exchanging the craftsmanship amongst the rural artisans so that they could also adopt the new craft trends.

UNI AS PS JS2003