439/2024-2025
Aizawl, the 29th January, 2025: As part of the Union Government's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' intiative, Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) today hosted the foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan. The foundation day of these three states - Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura is officially observed on 21st January. However, due to certain circumstances, the celebration is being held today instead.
In his opening address, Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) extended his greetings and best wishes to those gathered on the occasion of the foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura states. He stated that the vibrant celebration of other states’ foundation day under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative helps showcase India's rich cultural heritage and unity. While mentioning Prime Minister's call for India becoming a developed nation i.e 'Vikshit Bharat' by 2047 and the crucial role played by northeastern states to achieve this goal, the Governor said that, "The Northeast States, surrounded by countries which are in a political turmoil, holds great strategic importance. At this time, we must work towards national integration with deep commitment. It is only through peace and stability that development can be sustained".
The Governor urged attendees celebrating the foundation day to continue strengthening unity and better understand and appreciate the diverse cultures of other states. Expressing satisfaction over the growing integration of the Northeast with the rest of India, he encouraged young people to remain actively engage and carry forward cosmopolitan outlook. He also acknowledged and appreciated the speakers and cultural performers at the event and underscored the importance of collective efforts in realizing the vision of Vikshit Bharat.
In today's foundation day celebration, Pu Zonun Thara, ADC (P) to the Governor explained the purpose of organizing the programme. Video messages from the Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Meghalaya Governor Shri C.H Vijayashankar and Tripura Governor Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu were also played during the event. Dr. Rebecca Angom, Assoc. Professor at Pachhunga University College (PUC) representing Manipur, Smt. Premika Blah, Chief Manager at SBI representing Meghalaya and Dr. Achinta Badya, Asst. Professor at Mizoram University (MZU) representing Tripura, spoke on behalf of their respective state. The students from Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS), Aizawl who belong to these three states showcased their rich cultural heritage through beautiful traditional performances.
The princely states of Manipur and Tripura were merged with India in 1949, and subsequently became Union Territories in 1956. Present-day Meghalaya was part of Assam at the time of Independence, and became an autonomous state in 1969. On 21st January 1972, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971.
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.
