Mizoram Governor Presides Over Multi-State Foundation Day Celebrations in Aizawl
In a vibrant display of India's rich cultural tapestry, Mizoram Governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh led the Foundation Day celebrations for Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu on Friday. The event was held at the Durbar Hall of Aizawl Lok Bhavan, organized under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which aims to strengthen national integration through cultural exchange.
Governor Emphasizes Unity in Diversity
Addressing the gathering, Gen. Singh highlighted the programme's core objective, spearheaded by the Prime Minister, to preserve and promote India's cultural diversity. He stressed that the initiative encourages people to showcase their own traditions while learning about others, thereby fostering mutual understanding and brotherhood across regions.
"Many citizens remain unfamiliar with the cultures and traditions of other regions," Gen. Singh noted, underscoring the need to appreciate this diversity to strengthen national unity and integrity. Reflecting on the histories of the participating states and Union Territory, he added, "We are rich in diversity, yet we are one—this is our strength, and we must realize it." He urged the Mizo community and people from other states to actively learn about different cultures to build stronger bonds of understanding.
Cultural Presentations and Academic Insights
The programme was skillfully compered by Lalhruaitluangi, additional personal secretary to the governor, who outlined the initiative's objectives. Attendees were treated to video presentations showcasing the culture and heritage of each state and Union Territory, providing a visual journey into their unique traditions.
Academic experts enriched the event with historical insights:
- Dr Ch. Sarakham Aimol, associate professor at RIPANS, delivered a talk on the history of Manipur.
- Dr Analisha Debbarma, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, presented an overview of Tripura's heritage.
Cultural dance performances by students from RIPANS and Government Johnson College added a lively and artistic dimension to the celebrations, highlighting the region's vibrant performing arts.
Historical Context of Foundation Days
The Foundation Days celebrated hold significant historical importance:
- Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura attained statehood on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
- Uttar Pradesh was established as a state on January 24, 1950.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu were merged into a single Union Territory on January 26, 2020.
Ongoing Commitment to Cultural Exchange
Since June 2023, Foundation Day celebrations of various states and Union Territories have been regularly organized at Lok Bhavan in Mizoram under the governor's guidance. This ongoing effort is part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which continues to promote inter-state cultural dialogue and national cohesion through such events.
The Aizawl celebration serves as a testament to India's enduring spirit of unity, where diverse cultures converge to celebrate shared heritage and foster a deeper sense of national identity.
