Dehradun, 4 Oct: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) inaugurated the 30th Virasat Art and Heritage Festival at Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium, ONGC on Saturday evening. The 15-day festival will feature a confluence of cultures from India and abroad, with folk performances from Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, along with diverse art forms and traditions from across the world.
Organised by the REACH Foundation, the festival commenced with a mesmerizing recital by world-renowned sarod maestro, Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. His soulful melodies captivated the audience, while the flawless jugalbandi of sarod and tabla infused the atmosphere with energy and joy.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Governor said that the Virasat Festival is not merely a cultural event, but a celebration of the glorious traditions and rich heritage of India, and particularly of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. He remarked, “Culture is the soul of the nation,” adding that for three decades, the festival has been bringing to life the diversity, art, and traditions of India. He further said that the festival honors artisans and artists while connecting the younger generation to their roots.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s cultural richness, the Governor described it as a symbol of harmony with nature. He noted that the fairs, festivals, folk songs, and folk dances of Dev Bhoomi are a living heritage. The Governor emphasized that the Virasat Festival has become a powerful platform to promote the spirit of universal brotherhood and the message of “unity in diversity.”
Lt Gen Singh called upon the youth to stay connected with their heritage and traditions. He said that only when the younger generation embraces its culture can it stand with confidence on the global stage. He urged everyone to take a pledge to preserve, protect, and pass on their heritage to future generations.
The Governor congratulated the organizers for successfully hosting the festival. The occasion was graced by former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank,’ REACH Foundation General Secretary RK Singh, Vice President Sunaina Prakash, Hemant Arora, and a large gathering of people.
