Foundation day of 6 states and union territories was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Raj Bhavan
Raipur, 29 January 2025
The foundation day of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was celebrated with great enthusiasm under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ at Raj Bhavan today under the chairmanship of Governor Shri Ramen Deka. On this occasion, folk dances of these states were also presented. Along with this, Pandavani singing and Sufi singing of Chhattisgarh were also presented.
Governor Shri Deka said on this occasion that this program has been started on the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the aim of promoting mutual understanding among the people of diverse cultures living in different states and union territories in India. Under this, knowledge of language, culture, traditions and practices of different states is exchanged among themselves. This strengthens the unity and integrity of India.
Governor Shri Deka highlighted the specialties of all the states on this occasion. He said that Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states of India. It is the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and Shri Krishna. It is the origin place of the ancient civilization of Hindus. Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath and laid the foundation of Buddhism. Maha Kumbh is currently going on in Prayagraj. It is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural event. Crores of devotees, saints and scholars gather during Maha Kumbh. This event is a symbol of purity and salvation described in the Vedas and Puranas. The cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh contributes significantly in making this state a strong state. The success of events like Maha Kumbh shows that Uttar Pradesh is not only the center of faith of India but is also making its own identity on the world map.
Andhra Pradesh has made remarkable progress in agriculture, industry, information technology, tourism and educational sectors. About 60 percent of Andhra Pradesh’s population is engaged in agriculture and related activities. Andhra Pradesh is a popular destination among domestic tourists. Tirupati Balaji Temple in particular is one of the most important sites in Hindu mythology.
The Governor said that Kerala has become an example for the whole world for its educational advancement, health services, literature, art, cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. Kerala is a source of inspiration for the whole country in terms of literacy rate, health index and gender equality. In ancient times, many of our civilizations were matriarchal. But at present Meghalaya is a state where the main tribes follow the matrilineal system and here inheritance and lineage are carried on by women. The rural life of Meghalaya reflects the mountain lifestyle. This state is important from the tourism point of view. Here Mawsynram is the area with the highest rainfall in the world.
He said that Manipur is literally the land of ornaments. The people here are very proficient in music and art as well as creative which is reflected in their handloom and handicraft products. Manipur is the orchid basket of the country, 500 species of orchid flowers are found here. This state full of natural beauty is a paradise for tourists. The Governor said that Tripura is mentioned in Mahabharata, Puranas and Ashoka’s inscriptions. This state has its own unique tribal culture. The famous Shakti Peeth of Goddess Tripur Sundari is the center of faith of devotees. After the merger of two Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, new possibilities of development have opened up here. Governor Shri Deka said that the youth should respect and preserve the cultural heritage of their states and should be proud of it.
In the programme, Andhra Pradesh state representative Shri G Swami, Kerala representative Shri Vinod Pillai, Uttar Pradesh representative Shri Pratik Pandey, Tripura representative Ms Sangeeta honoured the Governor by presenting him a memento. The Governor also presented them with a memento.
In the programme, Padma Shri awardees Smt. Usha Barle sang Pandavani and Shri Madan Chauhan gave a wonderful performance of Sufi singing. On this occasion, Secretary to Governor Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Joint Secretary Smt. Hina Netam, youth, women and dignitaries residing in Chhattisgarh from all these states were present in large numbers.
