440/2024-2025
Aizawl, the 30th January, 2025: As part of the Union Government's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) today hosted the foundation day celebrations of the State of Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan in Aizawl. Though the official foundation day of Uttar Pradesh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu falls on January 24 and 26 respectively, the celebration is being held today due to unavoidable circumstances.
In his address, Governor General (Dr.) VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) extended his greetings and best wishes to those gathered on the occasion of the foundation day of Uttar Pradesh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Speaking about the rich history and cultural heritage of various states and union territories of India, he stated that, "Celebrating foundation days is an opportunity to honour and showcase the traditions, folk art, music, dance and historical achievements of the States and Union Territories,". He further added that the central government's initiative, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat aims to promote national unity and cultural integration.
The Governor also encouraged the youth to actively contribute to India's rapid development and to explore the diversities that shaped up our incredible country. He also emphasized that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is moving towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation 'Vikshit Bharat' by 2047. He also called upon everyone to respect and protect India's diversities and contribute for our shared dreams of developed India.
At today's foundation day celebration, Pi Lalhruaitluangi, Additional PS to the Governor, highlighted the purpose of the program. Dr. Pragati Singh, Assistant Professor at NIT Mizoram, presented key aspects of Uttar Pradesh, while a video was shown highlighting the history and culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Students from Uttar Pradesh studying at NIT Mizoram and students from Govt. Mizo Higher Secondary School added vibrancy to the occasion with skit and traditional dance performances.
Uttar Pradesh was formerly called United Provinces under British India, which included the earlier provinces of Agra and Oudh. On 24th January, 1950, the United Provinces were renamed as Uttar Pradesh. It is the largest State in India in terms of population and the 4th largest State in terms of area. The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu came into being on 26th January, 2020 through the merger of the two separate territories, which were all formerly part of Portuguese India.
The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme, aims to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different States and UTs in India, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding amongst them. In the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program, the Foundation Day celebrations of various states and union territories across India are organized at the Raj Bhavan in Mizoram, under the auspices of the Governor, starting from June 2023.
