ITANAGAR, Nov 5: Arunachal Pradesh Lok Bhavan celebrated the foundation days of 15 States and Union Territories on Thursday, bringing together members of these regions living, working and doing business in the state to promote cultural exchange and national integration.
Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik, along with his better half Anagha Parnaik, joined the celebration, which featured cultural performances and presentations highlighting the traditions and identities of the participating states and UTs -- Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor appreciated the contributions of people from different parts of the country to Arunachal Pradesh's progress and development. He said their professional commitment, entrepreneurial spirit and participation in society enriched the state's economy and strengthened its social fabric.
He encouraged them to maintain their cultural roots while fostering closer ties with local communities, adding that India's strength lay in its unity amid diversity.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, Parnaik said it had created opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people connections among states.
Appreciating the cultural presentations, he said traditional art, music and dance were important expressions of India's civilisational heritage and helped pass cultural values on to younger generations.
The programme also featured presentations by participants of 'Let's Speak Arunachal', an NGO working to develop children's public-speaking and communication skills. The Governor encouraged the young participants and presented them with Governor-engraved pens in recognition of their efforts.
Sonam, a student of Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired, Chimpu, and Tsevang Tsondup and Joram Amree of VKV, Chimpu, introduced Delhi, Kerala and Punjab, highlighting their cultural heritage.
Students of VKV and Donyi Polo Mission School, along with performers from the Malayali and Punjabi communities, presented traditional dances, including Bharatanatyam, Bhangra and patriotic performances.
Students of Oju Mission were also invited as special guests as part of the Governor's initiative to make such celebrations inclusive.
The Governor and his wife later hosted a 'high tea' and interacted with participants.