Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday celebrated the State Foundation Days of 15 States and Union Territories (UTs) including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt Gen (retired) K.T Parnaik, and the First Lady of the State, Anagha Parnaik, joined the celebration with members of these States and Union Territories who are serving, residing or engaged in business in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Governor commended the people from different parts of the country for their valuable contribution to Arunachal Pradesh’s progress and development.
He said their professional commitment, entrepreneurial spirit and active participation in society enrich the State’s economy and strengthen its social fabric.
He encouraged them to continue contributing to the State while preserving their cultural roots and fostering friendship with the local communities.
The Governor said that India’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst extraordinary diversity. Every State and Union Territory has its own distinct history, language, traditions, cuisine, art and cultural identity, yet all are bound together by the shared values of the Constitution, patriotism and a deep sense of belonging to one nation.
He said such celebrations provide an opportunity to understand, appreciate and respect one another’s cultural heritage, thereby strengthening the spirit of national integration.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, the Governor said the initiative has created meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual understanding and people-to-people connections among States.
He observed that India’s growing international recognition, reflected in the 36 highest national honours conferred on the Prime Minister by different countries, has further strengthened the country’s global standing.
Appreciating the colourful cultural presentations, the Governor said traditional art, music and dance are living expressions of India’s civilisation heritage and play an important role in passing cultural values to younger generations. He also appreciated the participants from Let’s Speak Arunachal.
The Governor appreciated the young participants of ‘Let’s Speak Arunachal’, an NGO engaged in developing children’s public-speaking, communication and presentation skills. He emphasised that the ability to speak confidently, articulate ideas and present one’s views is essential for the future success of children.
Encouraging the students, he presented Governor-engraved pens to the participants in recognition of their efforts.
Adding depth to the celebration, Miss Sonam, a specially-abled student of Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing and Visually Impaired, Chimpu and Tsevang Tsondup and Joram Amree of VKV, Chimpu, delivered engaging introductions to Delhi, Keralam and Punjab, highlighting their cultural heritage and distinctive identities.
The cultural programme showcased India’s rich diversity through traditional dances presented by students of VKV, Chimpu, Bharatanatyam performances by Bhagyashri and Nandana, and patriotic dance by students of Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing and Visually Impaired, Chimpu.
The Malayali and Punjabi communities added colour and vibrancy to the celebration through their lively group performances, including Tiranga and Bhangra, reflecting the joy of cultural expression and national unity.
Continuing the tradition initiated by the Governor, students of Oju Mission were invited to attend the celebration as special guests, sharing in the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity.
The Governor and the First Lady hosted a high tea and interacted with the participants, making the occasion a celebration of friendship, cultural harmony and the enduring spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
