Aizawl: As part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, a Foundation Day celebration for the states of Sikkim, Goa, Telangana, and West Bengal was held today at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Aizawl. The event was hosted by Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd).
Speaking at the event, the Governor said the celebration of state Foundation Days across Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas in the country was a direct outcome of the Prime Minister’s vision through the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, which aims to foster cultural exchange and national integration among states and union territories.
Highlighting the uniqueness of each state, Governor Singh described Sikkim as India’s first fully organic state with notable educational and botanical assets such as its orchid herbarium. Goa, he said, is known for its picturesque coastline and vibrant tourism, while Telangana represents a blend of rich historical heritage and modern innovation as a hub of Information Technology in India. On West Bengal, he praised the state for its deep-rooted history, contributions to social reform, and intellectual achievements.
The programme was chaired by Lalhruaitluangi, APS to the Governor, who also gave an opening note explaining the purpose of the event. Messages from Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma were presented through video addresses, along with visual introductions to the cultural and historical backgrounds of the four states.
Students and faculty from RIPANS, Mizoram University (MZU), and Government Aizawl North College delivered short presentations highlighting key facts and features of Sikkim, Telangana, and West Bengal. Cultural performances followed, adding colour to the event.
Sikkim attained statehood on May 16, 1975, Goa on May 30, 1987, Telangana on June 2, 2014, and West Bengal traces its formation to June 20, 1947.
The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, which has been observed in Mizoram Raj Bhavan since June 2023, seeks to promote stronger national unity by fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among India’s diverse states and union territories.
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