State Governor V.S. Rama Devi formally inaugurated the week-long Dassehra. Earlier, she inaugurated an exhibition organised by different government departments. She visited the exhibition area and showed keen interest in the handlooms and handicrafts being displayed there.

Blood Donation Societies: Governor V S Rama Devi has assured to strengthen the district level blood donation societies across the state and said that each society would be provided an ambulance to help the people in remote and far flung areas. The Governor, while talking to media persons at the local circuit house yesterday, said that Haripur Dhar, a remote village in Sirmaur district, would be provided an ambulance to ensure speedy medical aid particularly during emergency.

She disclosed that a sum of Rs 40 lakh had been sanctioned for 12 districts under Red Cross to extend service to the needy people.

In a reply to a question, Rama Devi laid emphasis on the need of a mobile hospital on Manali-Leh road, between the Darcha and Baralacha Pass, to facilitate the tourists and trekkers.

While appreciating the role of women in the society, she said that they were not getting their due keeping in view their contribution in domestic and social circles. While referring to the tribals, the Governor said that the tribals in India were more civilized and advanced in thought and practice than the people living in urban areas but still they needed medical aid and primary education.

The Governor urged the press to perform a constructive role in the welfare of women, children and handicapped in the society. Rama Devi, while conveying her message on the occasion of Dussehra, said that the humanity was supreme and religion was a way of life.