Himachal Pradesh Government

Governor advocates environmental protection through plantation drive at Sipur
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla participated in a plantation programme organized today at Sipur in Mashobra block of Shimla district by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Forest Department, today. On the occasion, the Governor planted a deodar sapling.

the Governor said that Himachal Pradesh is truly a Devbhoomi, renowned for its lush green valleys, snow-clad peaks and pristine water streams. However, in recent years, the State has witnessed severe natural disasters, including landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts. He emphasized that these calamities remind us of the urgent need to maintain balance with nature, warning that unchecked deforestation, pollution of water resources and unplanned development are making the earth increasingly vulnerable.

He said that plantation is not merely an environmental initiative but a life-saving duty. “When we plant a sapling, it safeguards soil, conserves water and purifies the air for generations to come.

On the occasion, around 120 saplings were planted by students of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mashobra, under the guidance of Principal Anita Gupta. Forest officials, Red Cross members and local residents also took part in the plantation drive.

Earlier, the Governor offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple at Sipur.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Chief Conservator of Forests K. Thirumal welcomed the Governor and honoured him with a shawl and cap.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Priyanshu, Additional Superintendent of Police Ratan Negi, district officials, Red Cross members and other dignitaries were present.

.0.

Read More
Governor releases book “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas”
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” at Raj Bhavan today. The book has been authored by Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation Prithi Pal Singh, which is a poetic Hindi rendering of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Mahakavi Kalidasa.

Through this translation, the author has sought to revive the timeless beauty, imagination and emotional depth of Kalidasa in a contemporary idiom, making it more accessible to present-day readers, particularly students and youth.

The foreword to the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and noted author Shanta Kumar, who has described it as an outstanding literary endeavour. Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist has designed the book cover adding a unique artistic dimension to the publication.

The Governor said that Kalidasa’s writings was the very soul of Indian literature and culture. He observed that presenting Meghadootam in poetic Hindi was a remarkable achievement, which not only revives Kalidasa’s creative vision but also offers a fresh perspective to readers, scholars and students. He expressed confidence that the book would make a valuable contribution to the world of literature.

Author Prithi Pal Singh said the work was the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary interest, expressing hope that “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” would evoke in readers the same aesthetic delight and emotional resonance that lies at the heart of Kalidasa’s masterpiece.

-0-

Read More
Governor pays tribute to Kalyan Singh on his death anniversary
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla offered floral tributes and paid his homage on fourth death anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Kalyan Singh at Raj Bhavan today. He said that Kalyan Singh served on various prestigious positions and remained as Governor of Rajasthan and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

He recalled Kalyan Singh’s significant contribution to the nation, society and public welfare, stating that his life and service would always be remembered with respect.

A two-minute silence was also observed in his memory.

Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma along with officers and staff of Raj Bhavan also paid tribute to the Kalyan Singh .

-0-

Read More
CM pays tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today offered floral tributes to the former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary at Sadbhawana Chowk, Chhota Shimla here today. Chief Minister appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Rajiv Gandhi and said that Rajiv Gandhi is remembered as the ‘Architect of Modern India’, who sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the Nation. He added that the Information Technology revolution in the country was the result of Rajiv Gandhi’s visionary thinking, from which today’s younger generation is reaping immense benefits.

The Chief Minister further said that Rajiv Gandhi was also a social reformer who, through 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments, ensured reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. He said that carrying forward this vision, Sonia Gandhi ensured the passage of a Bill in the Rajya Sabha to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures, which will greatly benefit them.

Later, he also administered the oath of national integration and communal harmony to the officers and officials of Himachal Pradesh Secretariat.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Pratibha Singh, Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Suneel Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, MLAs Mohan Lal Brakta, Sanjay Awasthi, Ajay Solanki, Vivek Kumar, Neeraj Nayar, Malender Rajan, Vice Chairman, State Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman, State Cooperative Bank Devender Shyaam, Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan, Co-incharge Congress HP Vidit Chowdhary and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

-0-

Read More
Governor extends greetings on Theog Day
Calls for a drug-free and prosperous Himachal

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of Theog Day, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla extended best wishes to the people of Theog area. He paid tribute to the region’s glorious history, rich cultural heritage, and the contribution of its people, noting that Theog is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for the hard work, courage and values of its citizens.

The Governor congratulated Theog for achieving the first position in Himachal Pradesh in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 for towns with a population below 20,000. He praised Theog's steady progress in education, health, agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors. He also appreciated the spirit of patriotism and service shown by young people of the area.

The Governor paid tribute to the members of the Praja Mandal movement and said that in this Amrit Kaal every citizen should make meaningful contributions and adopt swadeshi in daily life. He said that, “India was able to make Pakistan take notice because of our indigenous BrahMos missile and today countries around the world want to acquire it.”

Talking about his vision of a Nasha Mukt Himachal, the Governor urged the people of Theog to fight against drug abuse with the same determination that helped them achieve the top position in cleanliness. He assured that he would support even the smallest effort and programmes against drugs.

On the occasion, the Governor also released a song against drug abuse produced by Shyam and honoured individuals for their contribution to society.

Earlier, MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore welcomed the Governor and recalled the Praja Mandal movement that compelled the ruler to hand over power to the people, leading to the tradition of celebrating Theog Day. He also highlighted various developmental initiatives in the region and appreciated the Governor’s anti-drug campaign.

Chairman Nagar Parishad Theog Anil Grover detailed the historical importance of the celebration, while Vice Chairperson Neetu Mehta proposed a vote of thanks.

A colourful cultural programme, with Choltu Dance was also presented by local artists during the celebration.

Vice Chairman, State Forest Development Corporation, Kehar Singh Khachi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Divyanshu, Additional Superintendent of Police Ratan Negi, SDM Theog Shashank Gupta and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

0000

Read More
Zonal Head of HDFC Bank calls on CM
Zonal Head of HDFC Bank Vinod Sharma called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence, Oak Over, Shimla today. During the meeting, the Bank officers offered to provide E-ambulances under the Bank’s CSR initiative.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for this noble gesture and said that the state government has undertaken several initiatives to promote e-vehicles and preserve the environment in the State. He said that the Bank’s offer would not only strengthen emergency healthcare services but also contribute significantly towards the Government’s vision of environmental conservation.

Chairman Himachal Pradesh Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Nardev Singh Kanwar and Cluster Head Shivender Srivastava were also present on the occasion.
Read More