Many get Thakur Ved Ram awards

Our Correspondent

Kullu, April 21

The annual Thakur Ved Ram National Awards 2014-15 ceremony, to commemorate the 95th birth anniversary of the founder of Bhuttico, a co-operative society engaged in producing woollen handloom products, was held at Bhutti colony, 4 km from here, today.

Former Assistant Director of CSK HP Agriculture University (CSK HPAU), Palampur, JR Thakur was the chief guest.

Chairman of the society and former state minister Satya Prakash Thakur said while the number of handloom weavers was declining throughout the country, Bhuttico had ensured to deliver best facilities to its weavers due to which there was growth of weavers in this region.

SG Hegde from Karnataka was awarded for his contribution to the growth of co-operative movement. Former MLA and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Shiv Lal Sharma from Mandi was also conferred the national award for the growth of the bank. Dr Gulab Singh Azad from New Delhi who had authored many articles on co-operative movement, was also honoured with the national award.

Prominent litterateur Prof Parmanand Sharma from Dharmasala, who had authored over 31 books on various subjects, was bestowed with the prestigious Thakur Ved Ram national award for literature. Ashwini Sharma, a correspondent, Shimla, was conferred with the national award in print media, formulated in memory of Late Dr TDS Alok for his contribution to journalism and literature and the national award in electronic media in memory of late Subhash Sharma was awarded to Dr Shashi Bhushan Sharma, Chief Editor, ETV, Shimla.

Neema Bisht from Uttarakhand, Ganga Ram and Devi Chand Thakur, both from Kullu, were awarded for their outstanding performance and skill in cooperative and weaving sectors.

Sarla Chambyal from Kullu was conferred the Purohit Chandershekhar Bebas Lok Sahitya national award for her contribution to the folk literature and the Chand Kullvi Lal Chand Prarthi Pahari Kala Sanskriti national award was bestowed on Suraj Mani from Mandi for achieving national recognition as a Shehnai master.

Urmil Balram from Katrain village in Kullu district had been nominated for the Thakur Molu Ram Jeevant Pahari Bhasha Aur Sanskriti national award for her efforts to promote language and culture of hill areas through radio programmes.

Octogenarian Nathu Ram Pahalwan was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award for his selfless social service and practising of Gandhian theory of truth and non-violence.

Besides, best salesperson, best weaver, best co-operator and various awards in outstanding performance in sports and cultural activities were also provided during the ceremony.

Cultural presentations were also organised by members of the Bhuttico in the evening and performances were given by winners of various contests organised during the celebrations.