Pithoragarh celebrate foundation day

B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Feb 24              Celebrating 65th creating day of Pithoragarh district, the speakers on the occasion said that existence of Pithoragarh region dates back to pre historic era and puranik era, but  was given a district status carving it out from Almora  on February 24, 1960.
The three border districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarakashi were formed on February 1960 by Government of India, keeping the defence considerations.
The foundation day programme was organised by Pahli Manjil, a leading coaching institute situated in Pithoragarh.
“The region seems inhibited in pre historic era as well as that proof has come from recent discovery of a pre historic cave where 11 human depiction were found inside cave situated in a cliff, “said a speaker.
The speakers said on the occasion that the region of Pithoragarh had remained a pilgrims path to Kailash Mansarowar right from the time of Mandhata, the Ikshaku king of Ayodhya who has visited the Kailash peak from the Pithoragarh.” Not only Mandhata but even Lord Krishna had visited the Kailash region to pay obesiance to Lord Shiva, that is evident from Mahabharata verse,” claimed one of the speaker.
Padma Datt Pant, a cultural historian of the region said on the occasion that Pithoragarh has distinct cultural identity  that is evident from different cultural festivals still prevalent in the district.”Holi jatra, Chaitol, and Aathon are festivals in Pithoragarh that are not found in other parts of the state,” said Pant.
Kashi Singh Airi, top  statehood  leader of Uttarakhand  movement said on the occasion that the vision of statehood movement  is being foiled by today”s regimes as these are not in favor of strengthening  hill people.”in place of strengthening the hill region, the regimes are abusing the poor hill people,” alleged Airi.
Several musical programmes based on folk music were also presented on the occasion.
Deep Chaudhari, a retired history scholer has said on the occasion that the history of the district is varied in the nature and to understanding the history of the region we have to understand seperate histories of Malla, Chand,Madkoti and Kature kings simultaneously.” The varied history gives special blend of varied culture of the district that includes Kol, Kirat Cacasion and Aryan culture besides the distinct culture of tribal people  of the district,”said Chaudhari.
Rajesh Mohan Upreti, a sports writer and teacher elaborated the achievements of Pithoragarh  youths in sports since the district was created in the year 1960.” The sports persons have not only got Olympic games, national and Asian distinctions but also achieved laurals like Dronacharya awards, “said Upreti who has written a book on achievements of sportspersons of Pithoragarh district.
Kailash Kumar, a leading theatre personality of  the region, Bhupendra Singh Mahara a leading cultural activist, Shivraj Singh Adhikari, Gurukulanand Kachahari and several other senior citizens were present on the occasion.