Imphal: As part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today graced the Commemoration of the Foundation Days of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Sikkim and Goa at the auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal. The programme celebrated India’s rich cultural diversity and reinforced the spirit of national integration. It also highlighted the objectives of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which seeks to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding among people of different States and Union Territories through the concept of State/UT pairing. Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior officers from the civil and uniformed services, members of the public, among others, also attended the function.
As part of the programme, a video message from the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was played, while senior officers from the civil and uniformed services representing various states shared their experiences and insights. A cultural performance by artistes of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy added vibrancy to the event and reflected the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of Manipur stated that the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is translating the vision of national integration into reality by bringing together students and people from different parts of the country. Through cultural exchange and meaningful interactions, he said, the initiative is fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation. Governor noted that the country’s strength lies in its varied cultures, languages, traditions and heritage, and emphasised the importance of fostering mutual respect, understanding and deeper connections among people across regions.
The Governor highlighted the significant contributions of the States and Union Territories being honoured to the nation’s development and underscored the need for collective efforts towards peace, harmony, inclusive growth and a stronger India. He also highlighted Manipur’s rich cultural heritage, sporting excellence and resilient spirit, stating that the State holds a proud place in India’s journey of progress and nation-building.
Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, said that the event provided a valuable platform to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of the participating States and Union Territory, while fostering greater understanding and national integration. The Chief Minister emphasised that the collective contributions of different States and Union Territories in the cultural, economic and social spheres have strengthened the nation and reinforced the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
