Gangtok, Nov 1 The foundation days of eight states and five Union Territories were celebrated at Lok Bhavan in Sikkim on Sunday, with officials and students highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and the importance of national unity.
The celebrations, organised under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, featured presentations on the history, heritage and cultural traditions of the participating states and Union Territories.
In a press statement, Lok Bhavan said the initiative was aimed at strengthening national integration by providing people from different parts of the country an opportunity to understand and appreciate each other’s cultures, languages, cuisine and traditions.
The foundation days of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, were observed at the ceremony.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, who presided over the programme, said the initiative was an important step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, according to the statement.
Although states have different geographical boundaries, languages and cultural practices, Indians share a common national identity, he said, emphasising the need to recognise and respect the country’s diversity.
The statement described the celebrations as a cultural bridge between states, helping people develop a deeper understanding of their respective heritage and traditions.
A special video message from Keralam Governor Om Prakash Mathur was also screened during the programme, highlighting the importance of embracing cultural heritage to strengthen national unity.
Students representing Keralam and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands spoke about the history, culture and distinctive geographical features of their regions.
The Department of Culture presented a cultural programme showcasing Sikkim’s traditional folk heritage, adding a local flavour to the celebrations.
(PTI News)
