Congress leader Vijay Pal Singh, Dedicates Life to Public Service in Seraj, Emphasizes Cultural Preservation at Bagdathach Mela in Mandi.
Shimla:
At the closing ceremony of the vibrant Mihach Mela held in Bagdathach, nestled in the picturesque Seraj Valley of Mandi district, Vijay Pal Singh, a member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, made a heartfelt declaration of his unwavering commitment to public service. Speaking as the chief guest of the event today, Singh emphasized that he has dedicated his entire life to serving the people of Seraj and will continue to do so with the same spirit in the future.
“Positions come and go,” Singh stated, “but my intention is not to be a politician for Seraj—I want to serve as a son of this land, selflessly contributing to its growth and well-being.” He assured the gathering that he would continue to support the region’s people, directly or indirectly, by facilitating even the smallest development tasks.
Highlighting the importance of local traditions, Singh drew attention to the unique charm of rural fairs, contrasting them with urban festivals. “City fairs may be more intellectual, but village melas reflect the soul of our culture,” he remarked. He praised village fairs as essential for preserving the rich traditions and heritage of Himachal Pradesh, noting that they provide a glimpse into the region’s living culture.
Singh also emphasized the immense talent present in rural areas. “There is no shortage of talent in villages. If guided properly and provided the right direction, children from these areas can achieve anything,” he said. Reflecting on his own roots, Singh fondly recalled his childhood and early education in Thachadhar, acknowledging his father’s influence and the role of traditional values in shaping his outlook.
He extended appreciation to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his active efforts in preserving the cultural legacy of the state. Singh lauded the Chief Minister’s commitment to personally visiting geographically difficult regions to understand local issues and ensure that basic facilities are delivered to even the most remote communities.
Describing the Chief Minister as a leader from a humble background who genuinely understands the struggles of the common people, Singh expressed hope for further development in Seraj. “The CM will soon tour villages across Seraj to assess development needs and plan accordingly,” he added.
Taking a critical view of previous governance, Singh criticized former Chief Ministers for opening thousands of schools and other institutions across the state without adequate staffing. “What’s the use of establishing institutions if there are no teachers or employees to provide services?” he questioned.
The event was also attended by several local dignitaries, including Laxmi Chand, Roshan Lal, Rohit Thakur, Ram Singh, former Pradhan Pratap Singh, BDC member Santosh Kumar, and Paras Ram, all of whom showed strong support for Singh’s community-centric vision.
The Mihach Mela concluded on a positive note, celebrating not only cultural traditions but also a renewed commitment to rural development and youth empowerment in the Seraj Valley.