Chandigarh, January 21:The State Foundation Day celebrations of six States and Union Territories: Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu were held at Punjab Lok Bhawan, Chandigarh, in the presence of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria.

A video message by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar, was presented on the occasion, followed by the screening of a documentary highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of Meghalaya. The programme also featured a vibrant cultural presentation showcasing India’s rich and diverse traditions, including Pung Cholam (Manipur), Khasi Dance (Meghalaya), Mamita Dance (Tripura), Fisherman Dance (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), Rasleela and Kajri (Uttar Pradesh), Thang Ta (Manipur), and Machli Dance (Daman & Diu).

Addressing the gathering, the Governor extended greetings to the people of the participating States and Union Territories and said that such celebrations reflect India’s “Unity in Diversity” and strengthen national integration under the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” initiative.

The Governor highlighted the development of the North-Eastern States, including Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya, particularly their growing excellence in sports. Referring to Uttar Pradesh as the land of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, he also acknowledged its spiritual, cultural, and literary heritage. The Governor said that the rich culture of Uttar Pradesh reflects India’s unity in diversity and appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath in developing Uttar Pradesh as a safe and disciplined State for all.

The Governor paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters, recalling the contributions of Mangal Pandey, who ignited the First War of Independence in 1857, and Ram Prasad Bismil, highlighting their role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, including their association with Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He also appreciated Meghalaya for its environmental consciousness, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu for their tourism potential and development initiatives. He called upon the youth to remain connected with their cultural roots and actively contribute to nation-building.

Addressing the gathering, Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan, congratulated the citizens on their Foundation Day and described Uttar Pradesh as a land of saints, poets, tradition, and culture. He briefly highlighted the ancient, medieval, and modern historical evolution of the State and spoke about ongoing development efforts with the support of the people and the Central Government.

The Governor specially thanked and felicitated Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan and Punjab Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian for joining the celebrations. He also appreciated the initiative of the Uttar Pradesh Government to send its representatives to different States on the occasion of their State Foundation Day, strengthening inter-State cultural bonding and national unity.

Also present on the occasion were the Mayor of Chandigarh, Ms. Harpreet Kaur Babla; Additional Solicitor General of India, Shri Satya Pal Jain; Chief Secretary, Chandigarh, Shri H. Rajesh Prasad; Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri V.P. Singh; Home Secretary, Chandigarh, Shri Mandeep Singh Barar; Finance Secretary, Chandigarh, Shri Diprava Lakra; and Municipal Commissioner, Chandigarh, Shri Amit Kumar.