Dignitaries, invitees, dear friends.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you at the Raj Bhavan, as we celebrate the Foundation Days of the eight States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu; and the five Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

With the exception of Chhattisgarh and Puducherry, these States and UTs were formed by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, based on linguistic lines.

Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000, while Puducherry was transferred from French governance in 1954.

Government of India, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has been actively undertaking the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.

Under this, a number of cultural and student exchange programmes have taken place.

This initiative has led to a wonderful confluence of cultures and traditions, and it has resulted in greater national integration.

As we all know, ‘Unity in Diversity’ is our greatest strength. The great feature of Bharat since ancient times is the ability to accommodate and assimilate all types of cultures.

We are proud to celebrate the vibrancy and richness of our cultures, traditions, and languages.

Appreciation for all communities continues to make our Nation ever stronger.

This evening, I am especially delighted to welcome Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.

His presence has elevated our celebration of the Foundation Days.

I wish that the Air Chief and his wife will enjoy a pleasant stay at Mizoram.

On this happy occasion, I convey my sincere greetings to all the people of the eight States and the five Union Territories.

It is my desire that we continue to march together in harmony, as we aim to take our Nation to ever greater heights.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.