During the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Sarkaghat in Mandi district on Friday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched Him Bhog wheat flour, Him Bhog daliya, and Him Bhog turmeric products. These have been prepared from naturally grown wheat and turmeric to provide chemical-free products to consumers.
The Chief Minister also honoured three eminent personalities of the state with the Prerna Srot Award. Prof. Him Chatterjee of Shimla received the award for reviving Kangra miniature painting and creating the world’s longest public artwork at the Pragati Maidan Tunnel in New Delhi. Dr Ram Swaroop Shandil of Shimla district was honoured for his outstanding national and international performances in folk, classical, ghazal, bhajan, and group song genres. Prof. Prem Kumar Khosla, Chancellor of Shoolini University, Solan, was awarded for his pioneering contributions to forestry education, including launching B.Sc., MSc, and PhD programmes.
The Himachal Gaurav Award was conferred on Chandrekha Dadhwal of Dharamshala for her exceptional literary contributions; Shalini Vats of Seubagh, Kullu, for her work in empowering the visually impaired, differently-abled, women, and children; and Dr. Lal Singh of Chhota Shimla for leading projects on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and agricultural innovation.
The State Rural Livelihood Mission of the Rural Development Department and the Indian Red Cross Society, Kullu, received the State-Level Civil Service Award 2025.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed Rs 2 lakh each as marriage grants under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana to five beneficiaries from the Sarkaghat and Dharampur areas, and Rs 1.5 lakh each as the first installment for house construction under the Mukhyamantri Vidhwa Evam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana to 11 beneficiaries of the Sarkaghat assembly segment. The remaining Rs1.5 lakh will be provided upon completion of the house up to roof level.
Sukhu also honoured the departments, officers, and officials of Mandi district who extended valuable support to the district administration in execution of relief and rescue operations on a war footing during this year’s disasters in the district.
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