Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday said he has always advocated preservation of customs and culture for the future generations.
Speaking at the Sahatiya Samman Samaroh organised here by the Himachal Pradesh Art and Language Academy, he said "the identity of any society or individual rests upon its culture and customs".
"We have seen civilisations dying which fail to conserve its culture and traditions," he said, adding that language, art and culture were part and parcel of the people of this hilly state.
The chief minister honoured renowned Himachali writers Sudershan Vashisth, Sadhu Ram Darshak, Roop Sharma, Thakur Ravi Singh Mandhotra -- all honoured posthumously -- and Krishan Kumar Toor.
Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Tankri and Bhoti manuscripts as well as books written by renowned authors.
