Mizoram observes foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura; Governor VK Singh champions unity

Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), on January 29, hosted the foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan as part of the Union Government's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' intiative. 
 

While the foundation day of the three states is officially observed on January 21, it was held today, January 29, due to certain circumstances.
 

In his opening address, Governor Singh 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 Modi'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, "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 the foundation day celebration, Pu Zonun Thara, ADC (P) to the Governor explained the purpose of organising the programme. 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 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 January 21, 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.