In a prelude to the 75th Republic Day, Krishi Jagran marked the 54th Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh with a distinguished guest, Retired Colonel Kuldeep Singh Banshtu. Colonel Banshtu, currently serving as the Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, shared insights into his rich background, adding a unique perspective to the celebration.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event were the special guests, Biofloc farmers KP Shibu and Jisna from Kerala, invited by the Central and State Fisheries Department to partake in the Republic Day festivities. Krishi Jagran's Founder and Editor-in-Chief, MC Dominic, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting farmers in the KJ Chaupal, recognizing their pivotal role in agriculture and their valuable knowledge.
"We have always welcomed esteemed figures in our KJ Chaupal, but today we have farmers, and they are the most important members for us. I was sitting with these farmers, and they were so knowledgeable that we were discussing all about Italian apples. Today we have a lot of things to learn from them. Fish has the best price in Kerala," said MC Dominic.
Colonel Kuldeep Singh Banshtu, hailing from a family of horticulturists in Shimla, brought forth his unique journey from the village to the Indian Army, showcasing over 25 years of diverse experience. Recipient of special recognition and commendation for his role in various army events, he shared nostalgic anecdotes from his upbringing and underscored the significance of agricultural practices in Himachal Pradesh.
"I have grown up in the village. We have been eating lots of fruits; sometimes there used to be no food but fruits. Shimla has apples, dal, rajma, and channa and kittu, which is millet. We used to grow all this in our homes," reminisced Kuldeep Singh Banshtu.
Highlighting his multifaceted accomplishments, Banshtu emphasized his prowess as a golfer and glider pilot, with a Gold Medal in North Zone Shooting Championship (1983) and notable achievements in golf tournaments. After retiring in December 2012, he served as the Director of Sports with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports from 2016 to 2020.
"I was called the best cadet at my time when I did the Republic Day for a few states," shared Kuldeep Singh Banshtu, reflecting on his impactful military career.
This unique celebration, blending agricultural insights, military experiences, and the spirit of Republic Day, set the stage for a grand commemoration of Himachal Pradesh's statehood and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of India's diverse contributions.
