Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, while speaking on the occasion of celebration function of 200 years old Deputy Commissioner office, Shimla, said that the town had its own significance and distinct identity throughout the world. The town witnessed most ups and downs in its journey from being the summer capital of British India to be a ground for various freedom struggles during pre-independence era.
The Chief Minister said that history and traditional heritage were part of our lives and while preserving and conserving the same we had to tread along the path of development.
He said that only those civilisations prosper which keep their customs and culture alive and carry the same for the younger generations. He said that while moving ahead in life, we should never forget our language, customs, traditions and culture.
Recollecting the old memories, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that as a child, he had seen people working hard such as postman as they have to carry on their work irrespective of vagaries of weather and facilities. He said that our future generations should work with the same dedication to take the State further on the path of prosperity and progress.
He said that every town has its own historical importance. Himachal had very rich traditions and customs and we were proud of it. The government was always committed to restore and renovate the old historical buildings of Shimla and elsewhere in the State. He said that Municipal Corporation office, which was a live example of ancient architect was being renovated to give it a new look while maintaining its traditional architect.
The Chief Minister released a book “The Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Two Centuries of an Institution” 1815-2015, containing long cherished administrative history of the DC Office Shimla. He also unveiled the DC office plaque and Stamp and Cover to cherish the moment.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated Pensioners Facilitation Centre, Record Room for Urban and Rural Tehsil Shimla under National Land Record Modernisation Project and Model Tehsil.
Shri S.N. Joshi, retired IAS officer while speaking on the occasion recollected his past memory as a Deputy Commissioner. He detailed about the bombshell year citing examples of the uncertain mishaps around the world when he was given the responsibility of Deputy Commissioner, Kangra.
Shri Raaja Bhasin, a young local author and Editor of the book released today by the Chief Minister also gave his introductory remarks about the book and the past colonial background of Shimla.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Shri Dinesh Malhotra detailed about the colonial administrative history of Shimla. He also briefed about the first Deputy Commissioner of Independent India, Shri Kewal Singh Chaudhary, ICS, who occupied the chair of the Deputy Commissioner on 5.7.1947 till 17.4.1948. He said that the list of illustrious officers who occupied the chair of the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla had been mentioned in this book for posterity. He also detailed about various books like ‘Imperial Simla’ By Pamela Kanwar and “ The Raj and Shimla Hill States” and importantly “Simla, The Summer Capital of British India” by Shri Raaja Bhasin.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shri Yunus proposed vote of thanks.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Smt Vidya Stokes, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Shri Nand Lal and Shri Rohit Thakur, MLA, Shri Anirudh Singh, Mayor, Shri Sanjay Chauhan, President DCC, Shimla Rural, Shri Kehar Singh Khachi, Deputy Mayor, Shri Tikendar Panwar, former Governor, Shri Ashwani Kumar, Chairman HP State Co-operative Bank, Shri Harsh Mahajan, Chairman APMC, Shimla and Kinnaur, Shri Mahendar Stan, DGP, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Director, Information and Public Relations, Dr. M.P. Sood, ADM, Shri D.K. Rattan were present amongst various officers and officials besides the Public representatives.
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