318/2025-2026

Aizawl, the 4th November, 2025: Under the visionary initiative of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today graced a grand celebration marking the foundation days of 11 States and Union Territories - Delhi, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Haryana, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand - at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Aizawl.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, commended the thoughtful arrangements at Raj Bhavan and underscored the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,' which seeks to promote unity, mutual respect and cultural exchange among India’s diverse communities. He noted that each State and Union Territory has its own distinct strengths and identity, and that these differences form the foundation of India’s collective resilience. “Our diversity is our strength,” he remarked, adding that it is essential in driving the nation toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The Governor also encouraged everyone to respect the cultures, traditions and customs of others, and to actively share and promote their own heritage wherever they go, thereby fostering greater mutual understanding.

The event was compered by Pi Lalhruaitluangi, APS to the Governor, who also elaborated on the objectives and significance of the programme. Video messages were delivered by Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri VK Saxena, Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Kerala Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Haryana Shri Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Lt. Governor of Puducherry Shri K. Kailashnathan, IAS (Retd.).

Insightful presentations on their respective States were delivered by Dr. Alok Shukla (Madhya Pradesh), Professor, NIT Mizoram; Dr. Chethan G.E. (Karnataka), Assistant Professor, CVSc&AH; Prof. Rambir Singh (Haryana), MZU; Dr. C. Devendiran (Tamil Nadu), Professor, MZU; Dr. Shuchi (Uttarakhand), Associate Professor, NIT Mizoram and Dr. Vijay Mandal (Jharkhand), Associate Professor, NIT Mizoram.

The programme also featured captivating video documentaries showcasing the rich heritage, geography and cultural ethos of Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand. Adding vibrancy to the occasion, students from ICFAI University, Mizoram and NIT Mizoram presented enchanting cultural performances. The celebrations concluded on a warm and festive note as the Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh and Lady Governor Smt. Bharti Singh hosted the visiting dignitaries and participants at a cordial interaction over high tea at the Upper Lawn, Raj Bhavan.

On November 1, 1954, Puducherry was formed as a Union Territory. On November 1, 1956, Delhi and Lakshadweep became Union Territories, while Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu were recognised as states. On November 1, 1966, Haryana and Punjab were created as separate states. Later, Uttarakhand was established on November 9, 2000, and Jharkhand came into being on November 15, 2000.

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative seeks to strengthen bonds among India’s diverse linguistic, ethnic, and cultural communities by promoting greater interaction, empathy, and shared learning. Since June 2023, Raj Bhavan, Mizoram, under the Governor’s leadership, has been organizing Foundation Day celebrations of various States and Union Territories, reinforcing the spirit of unity in diversity.