Governor visits culture and tourism fest in Darj, lauds effort

EOI, Darjeeling, 19 October 2014: Commending the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for organizing the month long Culture and Tourism Festival, Bengal Governor Kesharinath Tripathi on Sunday said the initiative would help bond the hills with other parts of the country.

The Governor during the day attended the month-long festival which started from October 8 and will continue till November 7. “I feel happy to be present for this festival and thank the GTA for inviting me. I extend my wishes for the event’s success,” he said, after receiving a memento from GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung.

Lauding the performances of various hills communities, the Governor said, “In Darjeeling we are able to witness unity in diversity of different culture, tradition and emotions which attract tourists. I feel that this event is an effort of a place to bond with other states of the country”. He added, “The artists and children participating in the event have left a deep impression on me with their performance. It is a memory that I will cherish and take back with me”.

Performers of the information and cultural affairs department of the GTA and various dance academies showcased various culture and tradition through their dance and songs which the Governor keenly watched.

In his speech, Tripathi also pointed to the unique nature of the Hills. “Darjeeling is known for its three T’s-tea, timber and tourism- but I want to add three C’s. They are culture, cooperation and co-existence which makes Darjeeling what it is and people from across the country and abroad visit it often,” the Governor said.

The Bengal Governor also launched the official website- www.gta-darjeeling.org- of the GTA, today. Tomorrow afternoon, Tripathi will attend the Mirik chapter of the cultural and tourism festival before heading back to Kolkata.