By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Oct 27: Assam Governor PB Acharya presented the Tulsi Plantation Awards to the winners of the Tulsi plantation contest organized by "Aashray", a ture organization of Dergaon which was held on the occasion of Kati Bihu.
The First Lady of Assam and galand, Kavita Acharya and other officials of Raj Bhavan and Raj Bhavan Secretariat and office-bearers and members of "Aashary" were also present in the function.
The first prize, Yoga Guru, Patanjali Award, with a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 along with a citation and a certificate was awarded to Ranu Hazarika; the second prize, Astronomer Aryabhatta Award with a cash prize of Rs 3,000 along with a citation and a certificate was awarded to Papori Bora and the third prize, Ayurvedic Surgeon Sushruta Award with a cash prize of Rs 2,000 along with a citation and a certificate was awarded to Mala Goswami.
All the contestants, who joined the contest, were also presented with certificates.
The Governor and the First Lady also planted Tulsi saplings on the Raj Bhavan premises at the function. The First Lady also chanted a Tulsi Shloka and spoke to the gathering on the importance of the Tulsi plant.
The Governor, in his speech, said that the Tulsi is a precious plant which has been scientifically proved. He added that India was full of herbs and plants with great medicil values which were good not only for human beings but also for the atmosphere and the environment. He said that ancient Rishis and religious men had scientific minds.
While appreciating the efforts of 'Aashray', the Governor said that plantation of Tulsi plants should also be taken up in right earnest in all the districts and subdivisions.
The Governor also said: "In order for India to succeed, we must love all Indian things and learn to learn from our rich ancient history. We must all put in our efforts to build a Swachch, Shashakt, Samriddh and Niryog Bharat".