AIZAWL, Jan 30: Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh (Retd) on January 29 hosted the foundation day celebrations for Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan as part of the Union Government’s ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. Although the foundation day of these three states is officially observed on January 21, the event was held on January 29 due to certain circumstances.
In his opening address, Governor Singh extended his greetings and best wishes to the attendees in honor of the foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura. He highlighted the significance of celebrating the foundation day of other states under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, which aims to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and promote national unity. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘Vikshit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, Governor Singh emphasized the important role northeastern states play in achieving this goal. He stressed, “The Northeast States, surrounded by countries which are in a political turmoil, hold 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 everyone to continue strengthening unity and deepen their understanding and appreciation of each other’s diverse cultures. Expressing satisfaction over the growing integration of the Northeast with the rest of India, he encouraged young people to remain actively engaged and maintain a cosmopolitan outlook. Governor Singh also acknowledged and appreciated the speakers and cultural performers who contributed to the event, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in realizing the vision of a ‘Vikshit Bharat.’
During the celebration, Pu Zonun Thara, ADC (P) to the Governor, explained the purpose of organizing the program. Video messages from the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Meghalaya Governor C.H Vijayashankar, and Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu were also played during the event. Dr. Rebecca Angom, Associate Professor at Pachhunga University College (PUC), representing Manipur; Premika Blah, Chief Manager at SBI, representing Meghalaya; and Dr. Achinta Badya, Assistant Professor at Mizoram University (MZU), representing Tripura, spoke on behalf of their respective states.
Students from the Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS), Aizawl, who hailed from Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura, showcased the rich cultural heritage of their states through traditional performances.
The princely states of Manipur and Tripura were merged with India in 1949 and 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 January 21, 1972, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura were granted full-fledged statehood under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971.
The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ program aims to enhance interactions between people of diverse cultures across different states and Union Territories in India, fostering mutual understanding and promoting national integration.
