Himachal CM announces Khushwant Singh Trail

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today announced a nine km 'Khushwant Singh Trail' from Kasauli Bazaar to Kalka dedicating to the famous novelist.
"A nine kilometer track he regularly trekked, will be developed into the 'Khushwant Singh Trail' at a cost of Rs 18 lakh," he said after inaugurating the 5th Annual KS Literary Festival at Kasauli.
"I was a regular reader of his columns and books. Some of his books inspired me. He served the Indian legal system and literature with equal passion and hard work," he said.
"His books- A Train to Pakistan, Delhi: A Novel, The Company of Women, and Truth, Love and a Little Malice- have left indelible impression on the minds of readers," the CM said.

"The fest's theme 'Breaking Barriers' is perhaps dedicated to the cause of educating the girl child and the preservation of ecology. These were close to Singh's heart" he said.
Kushwant Singh, with nearly 100 books under his belt, is equally loved for his weekly columns in which he highlighted the truth, he said.

The CM launched coffee table book 'Solan a Mosaic of Experiences' by Minakshi Chaudhary Kanwar and gave prizes to children who participated in various competitions of the festival.
Son of late Kushwant Singh and chairman of the festival Rahul Singh said, "My father was committed to the education of the girl child."

"He was agnostic but full of humanity and compassion and was a great admirer of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, he said.
Kasauli was very close to his heart and he used to come to his house here during the summers, he said, adding he did much of his writing in Kasauli.
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr Dhani Ram Shandil were also present on the occasion.