Itanagar, Nov 15: The State Foundation Day of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand was celebrated with traditional vibrancy and cultural splendour at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, on Saturday.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik, along with his better half Anagha Parnaik, graced the event organised under the Prime Minister’s flagship initiative, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Extending warm greetings to the people of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand residing in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor lauded their contributions and commitment, noting that their service has significantly enriched the State’s developmental journey.
Drawing parallels between the cultures of Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor highlighted the natural affinity the regions share. He noted that Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh, both tribal States, possess rich traditions, festivals, and community practices preserved across generations.
Similarly, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, he said, are united by their Himalayan identity — shaped by serene landscapes, spiritual depth, ecological richness, and a common reverence for nature and traditional wisdom.
Speaking on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the Governor said the initiative has played a transformative role in deepening national integration through cultural exchanges, particularly among young people. He expressed joy that the youth of Arunachal Pradesh are enthusiastically embracing and celebrating the cultural heritage of other States while proudly showcasing their own.
As part of the celebration, the Governor presented letters of appreciation to the children of CK Bliss for their captivating Garba and Lavani performances during the recent Gujarat and Maharashtra Foundation Day programmes. He also felicitated Dr Krishna Chowlu, Scientist In-Charge at the Botanical Survey of India, and author of the acclaimed book Orchids of Arunachal Pradesh, for his remarkable documentation of 657 orchid species with over 810 photographs.
The cultural presentations for the evening highlighted India’s unity in diversity. Cadets of the 1st Arunachal Pradesh NCC Battalion performed an Arunachali traditional dance representing multiple tribes, while students of Air Force School, Tezpur, impressed with a spirited National Integration Dance.
Tage Kanya Hano, cultural ambassador and founder of CK Bliss, presented an elegant Bharatanatyam recital, followed by a poignant poem ‘Bachpan’ by Class VIII student Sneh Kumari. Members of the Jharkhand community added to the magnificence of the celebration with the iconic Jhumur dance.
The Governor and his wife later interacted warmly with the participants over ‘high tea’, concluding the evening on a gracious and memorable note.