Vasantotsav-2017, which attracted a large number of people including foreign tourists this year, concluded at the Raj Bhawan on Sunday evening. This year the visitors also got ample opportunity to purchase flowering and other potted plants from the exihibition. They also got an exposure about to cut flowers and decorate their home with potted plants as well. The flower growers also got a chance to showcase the flowers they had cultivated while also giving out their visiting cards to interested visitors.
On the concluding day, the governor Krishan Kant Paul also distributed prizes among the 138 winners (first, second and third) of various competitions organised as part of the spring festival- Vasantotsav 2017. Besides this, three floriculturists from each district of the state were given consolation prizes.
Students who stood first, second and third in the stamp collection /display contest – Shobhi Priyadarshi, Mehak Thapa and Abhiti Mishra were presented cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the governor said that Uttarakhand can surely emerge as a floriculture state (Pushp Bhumi) as the climate and environment here is conducive to growing all kinds of flowers. Commercial cultivation of flowers will boost the economy and provide employment in remote mountainous areas of the state. Paul further opined that this two-day event of colour and fragrance would surely have generated new energy, freshness and enthusiasm in the hearts of all visitors. This was not just a flower exhibition but was a unique convergence of floriculturists, flower lovers, nature lovers, music, folk art and painting. This was an opportunity for people to meet each other and enjoy themselves besides obtaining information about new techniques in floriculture and agriculture.
The governor said that the painting competition where students of schools as well as physically challenged children showed their power of imagination and creativity was a pleasure to witness.
At the initiative and direction of the governor, several new dimensions were added this year to the festival including stamp collection display and contest of students and a buyers and sellers meet. Buyers and sellers related to floriculture exchanged information and discussed ways and means to improve the production and distribution of flowers.
The governor congratulated all the winners, participants, the horticulture department which organises the event, the culture department and all supporting departments for making the festival a success. He specially appreciated the efforts of Horticulrure director VS Negi and senior horticulture officer, Raj Bhawan, Deepak Purohit.
All senior officers of horticulture department , officials and Raj Bhawan staff along with several eminent persons and a large number of visitors were among those present on the occasion. Cultural programmes by artistes of the culture department were also presented at Raj Bhawan campus after the prize distribution.