The people of Chhattisgarh have got large hearts. Even the poorest of the poor people here are extremely kind. Today, the nation needs such large-hearted people, who can win the hearts of others with their simplicity and sense of social harmony, former Governor Shekhar Dutt said on Tuesday.
Dutt expressed these thoughts while addressing his farewell function held at Chief Minister Raman Singh’s residence in Raipur. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released a collection of Dutt’s speeches titled ‘Drishti’ and presented him a memento.In his address, Dutt remarked, “The simplicity of lifestyle and culture in Chhattisgarh has really impressed me. During my tenure of four-and-a-half years, I received all the love and cooperation from Chief Minister Raman Singh, his government and the people of Chhattisgarh.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister gifted a set of tribal jewellery of Baiga tribe to Dutt, as a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity, and also extended good wishes to him.In his address at the function, the former Governor further remarked, “In the year 1985, I had the opportunity to serve in Chhattisgarh as an IAS officer on the post of Commissioner, Raipur Division, in undivided Madhya Pradesh, for about three years. After its formation in the year 2010, the Central Government once again gave me the opportunity to serve Chhattisgarh as Governor of the State.
“I have witnessed the progress of Chhattisgarh in every sector, ever since it was formed. Chhattisgarh has got all the potential and possibilities of becoming the most developed, leading and ideal State of the country, and soon these potential and possibilities will take the shape of reality, he affirmed,” he said.
Praising the social harmony and peaceful environment of Chhattisgarh, Dutt said that legislative Assembly of this new State works without any obstructions, which is commendable. On the occasion, the Chief Minister gave warm farewell to Dutt along with his best wishes, on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister said that Dutt has not only played the role of competent administrator but has also provided his valuable guidance like a guardian. “Dutt is such a treasure of knowledge that the young generation can learn immensely from his writings and speeches”, he said.
Singh said that Dutt has seriously studied all the subjects related to Chhattisgarh and has got deep understanding of a wide array of topics. He said that Dutt has discharged all his responsibilities with simplicity and dedication. “He has always been concerned about the development of Chhattisgarh.”Singh further stated : “Today only, Dutt called me up and expressed his concern over delayed monsoon, asking about the State government’s strategy to tackle the consequences.”
The Chief Minister said that Dutt has strong emotional connection with Chhattisgarh. “He has done so much for the State that any number of ‘thanks’ would not be enough. We would always remember Dutt and seek his guidance as and when required,” he said.
On the occasion, State Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand also expressed his thoughts. The vote of thanks was proposed by Principal Secretary Housing, Environment and Industry and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, N Baijendra Kumar.
At the function, the wife of the former Governor , Sushmita Dutt, and the wife of Chief Minister Raman Singh, Veena Singh, State Home Minister Ramsevak Paikra, Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, Food Minister Punnulal Mohle, Health Minister Amar Agrawal, Tourism and Culture Minister Ajay Chandrakar, Higher Education Minister Premprakash Pandey, Women and Child Development Minister Ramsheela Sahu, Union Minister of State for Steel and Mining Vishnudev Sai, MP JP Nadda , former Speaker of Chhattisgarh Assembly Dharamlal Kaushik, RMC Speaker Sanjay Shrivastav and various public representatives and officials of various organizations were also present. Advisor to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh, Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, Director General of Police (DGP) AN Upadhyay, Additional Chief Secretary NK Aswal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Aman Kumar Singh and senior officials of various departments also participated in the farewell function.
later, Dutt was given a warm farewell by Chief Minister Raman Singh and his Cabinet ministers at the Swami Vivekananda airport . Dutt was also accorded a guard of honour on the occasion. He left for New Delhi in a State aircraft. On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented a bouquet to Dutt and wished him a healthy, peaceful and prosperous life ahead.