Shillong, Nov 17: Raj Bhavan today hosted a special programme to mark the statehood and foundation day of 17 States and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand.
The event was attended by Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar, senior defence officials, NCC cadets, invited guests, and representatives from various communities.
In his address, Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar highlighted that the celebration reflects the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, which seeks to strengthen unity, harmony, and mutual understanding among India’s diverse regions.
The Governor emphasised that every State and Union Territory has its own unique history, heritage, and identity, yet all are bound together by the common thread of nationhood. He remarked that from the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the plains of Punjab, and the coastal beauty of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, to the islands of Andaman, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, each region enriches India’s collective journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Principal Secretary to the Governor H.C.Chaudhary highlighted the importance of honouring the historical and cultural legacies of the States and UTs. He also acknowledged the varied contributions of each region – ranging from spiritual and artistic heritage to industrial growth, technological advancement, agriculture, maritime tradition, biodiversity, and civic excellence.
