Co-operative minister Ramadhar Singh (second from left) inaugurates the function in Purnea on Monday. Telegraph picture

Purnea, Feb. 14: The state co-operative minister and Purnea minister in-charge, Ramadhar Singh inaugurated the District Foundation Day, 2011, ceremony at Indira Gandhi Stadium.

Singh lit the traditional lamp in the presence of many prominent personalities, including Purnea MP Uday Singh, Banmankhi MLA Krishna Kumar Rishi, Baisi MLA Santosh Kushwaha, Dhamdaha MLA Lesi Singh, and district magistrate N. Saravan.

“I have requested the people to light a candle at their houses on the occasion of the 241st district foundation day and make it memorable. It should not be taken as the ‘edict’ of district magistrate but as an advice,” district magistrate and collector N. Saravana told The Telegraph. Lighting up a candle in every house would help in creating a conducive atmosphere among people, he added.

The ceremony has been scheduled for February 14 and 15. The event would comprise programmes pertaining to culture, sports, health, exhibition, memento publication, and honouring of reverent persons. The district administration under the aegis of the district magistrate and collector, N. Saravana has formed six committees to conduct the function in a proper manner.

Considering sports as an integral part of children’s lives, the district administration had arranged sports competition from panchayat-level to district-level. Kabaddi, football, cricket, badminton, cycling and other games were played. It also included a 100-metre race for senior citizens.

At Purnea Sadar Hospital, a health check-up camp was started for the people who have already attained the age of 60. This camp would continue for two days in which 60-year-old people would get the benefits of all tests and possible operations.

The district administration had advertised for write-ups from common people through media so that they could express their thoughts on various topics. The committee looking after the memento had got innumerable write-ups out of which some were chosen that were included in the memento published on the auspicious occasion.

With the help of schoolchildren, a cultural programme was organised in the evening on the premises of Kala Bhavan. Programmes related to rural areas such as nukkad natak was also performed by rural schoolchildren.

An agricultural development fair-cum-exhibition was organised to make people aware of the different programmes run by either state or central government on the premises of Kala Bhavan. Stalls had been set up to sensitise people on facilities, securities and rights.