363/2023-2024

Aizawl, the 20th February 2024: Under the initiative of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati hosted the foundation day of the State of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan this evening.

In his opening address, the Governor greeted the participants and invitees on this special occasion to commemorate the Foundation Day of the State of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati mentioned that 37 years ago, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh became the 23rd and 24th states of India, respectively. He recalled how Mizoram became a state on February 20, 1987, after the signing of the Peace Accord between the Government and the Mizo National Front, marking an end of two decades of insurgency. He said that the state had faced many difficulties before becoming a state but the most important thing now is to become the most peaceful state in India.

Also speaking on the formation of the State of Arunachal Pradesh, he mentioned that the Arunachal Pradesh was called the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) until 1972 when it was under British colonial rule. On January 20, 1972, Arunachal Pradesh became the Union Territory and later Arunachal Pradesh was declared the 24th state of India on February 20, 1987, under the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 and is now known as one of the most beautiful and ecologically rich regions, he added.

The Governor said that both Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have long international borders, Mizoram shares it with Myanmar and Bangladesh while Arunachal Pradesh is bordered by China, Bhutan, and Tibet. He emphasized the need for the two states to uphold the territorial integrity of the country and the  residents of the two states to be vigilant, steadfast in patriotism and cooperative in ensuring border security while maintaining humanity.

He also reiterated that the Central Government's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program is aimed at creating better communication and fostering brotherhood among the residents of various states and UTs of India. He once again stressed the need for people to actively participate in such programs to strengthen national unity and promote peace and prosperity across the nation. He also stated that by making today's programme a success we have made a significant contribution in securing stronger unity and integrity of India.

The celebration program of the foundation day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh witnessed the display of a video clip of the Arunachal Pradesh. The event also featured video messages from Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), also among the speakers were Prof. H. Lalthanzara, Principal,  Pachhunga University College (PUC) and Pakbom Koyu, General Secretary, MZU Students' Council. Traditional dances and special performances were also showcased in this celebration program by students from MZU and RIPANS.

Mizoram was declared a separate UT in 1972 under the Northeast Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. It became the 23rd State of India after the 53rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution in  1986. In earlier days, Arunachal Pradesh was called the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In 1972, NEFA became a Union Territory, on February 20, 1987, it became a full-fledged state and became the 24th State of Union India after the 55th Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1986.

The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat program, aims to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different States and UTs in India, to promote 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 aegis of the Governor, starting from June 2023. Today, a total of 19 states and all union territories have already celebrated their Foundation Day under this initiative.