Mango Mela culminates on a musical note

Pinjore (Haryana) July 7, 2014: Curtains draw close on 23rd Mango Mela at Pinjore Gardens on Sunday evening. Roshan Lal, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana, Agriculture Department, the chief guest at the closing-cum-prize distribution ceremony of the Mango Mela gave away awards to the mango growers competing under different categories.
Sumita Misra rendered a warm reception to the chief guest in her welcome speech. She stated that the Mango Mela is an endeavour to blend traditionalism with modernity and it has met with stupendous success this year. She also informed that the new initiatives taken by Haryana Tourism to make the Mela more exciting had been well received.
Roshan Lal described in his speech that this year the Mela had received a record number of entries from mango growers and said efforts are being made to further improve the produce of mangoes in the state of Haryana. He also applauded the efforts of Haryana Tourism for the smooth and successful organising of the Mela.
Lal also pointed out that the horticulture department was working towards bringing out varieties of mangoes that are less sweet, as that is what people abroad are demanding for.
Following which, the chief guest gave away prizes to the mango growers. Soyab Farm, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Bada Bagh, Papu Miyan, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh bagged first and second Aam Kesri awards in which they won Rs 15,000 and Rs 11,000 plus shield and certificate respectively.
Mango Mela culminated on a melodious note. Fusion-pop singer Master Saleem performed to a packed audience and belted out his popular Bollywood and Sufi numbers.

(SK Vyas/Jalandhar)