Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal on Tuesday said relationship between India and Pakistan could be further strengthened through exchange of cultural programmes.
He was speaking as a chief guest after inaugurating a three-day Indo-Pak International Theater Festival organised by On Theater Group in collaboration with Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra at Kurushetra.
The Chief Minister said Indo-Pak International Theater Festival would play a vital role in keeping a strong bond between the countries and suggested that such kind of Theater Festivals should be organised in both India and Pakistan. He said that though he was not an artist but he was a true admirer of art as during various ups and down of life, all forms of arts play a vital role in keeping us stress free and helps in maintaining a sense of excitement in our lives.
The Chief Minister said today there were lakhs of families in Haryana whose ancestors belonged to western Pakistan. Similarly, there are lakhs of families in Pakistan who originally belonged to Haryana. Citing his example, the Chief Minister said his family hailed from Jhang district of Pakistan.
He also honoured three artists for their outstanding contribution in the field of culture. On Theater Group International Theater Award for Peace was given to Madiha Gauhar of Pakistan. Similarly, On Theater Group Award and Haryanvi lok Rang Samman was given to renowned Bollywood actor Robin Das and Sangi Suraj Bedi respectively.