KL Desk

Srinagar

Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, last evening released Commemorative Coins to mark the Silver Jubilee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. This ceremony took place at 7-Race Course Road, New Delhi, attended by a select audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh observed that “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country. Millions of people in and outside our country derive solace and strength from this Holy place. I am sure that the two billion coins bearing an inscription of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi which will come into circulation following today’s release function will be a source of happiness to these devotees”.

The Prime Minister complimented Governor N. N. Vohra, who is also Chairman of the Shrine Board, and the entire team of the Board, for doing commendable work in bringing about significant improvement in the arrangements and facilities for the visiting pilgrims despite the difficult geography of the area in which the Shrine is located and the progressively increasing pilgrimage. While noting the various major projects in the pipeline, like the Material Ropeway and Passenger Haulage, and a fresh track under implementation, Prime Minister expressed happiness that as part of its social responsibilities the Shrine Board is also extending significant support to the weaker sections of the society in the villages around the Shrine. This includes market support for women’s self help groups, construction and repair of school buildings and financial assistance and support to socio-cultural organizations.

The ceremony was attended by Usha Vohra, Lady Governor, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K, T. K. A Nair, Advisor to Prime Minister, Board Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

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