SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday extended greetings to the people of 14 States and Union Territories on their Foundation Day, calling the occasion an opportunity to strengthen national unity, cultural understanding and people-to-people ties.
The greetings were extended to Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a commemorative programme at Lok Bhavan, Sinha said the observance of Foundation Days reflected India’s longstanding tradition of unity in diversity and provided an opportunity to recognise the cultural contributions of different regions.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting coordination, harmony and emotional integration among regions through the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
The Lieutenant Governor said India’s identity was shaped not merely by geographical boundaries but also by a shared cultural consciousness sustained through diverse languages, traditions, customs, knowledge systems and artistic expressions.
Referring to the country’s literary and spiritual heritage, he said cultural and historical connections continued to bind people across geographical distances.
“Our literary and spiritual heritage, from Keralam to Madhya Pradesh, from Andaman and Nicobar to Andhra Pradesh tells us that we are integral parts of the same stream of life, and geographical distances can never erase our emotional closeness and the spirit of oneness,” he said.
Highlighting the contributions of different regions, Sinha referred to Keralam’s literary and artistic traditions, Andhra Pradesh’s contributions to literature, spirituality and the freedom movement, Karnataka’s saint-poet heritage, Punjab’s spiritual legacy and Haryana’s devotional literature.
He also highlighted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an example of India’s cultural diversity, Chandigarh as a symbol of modern urban planning and Delhi as a meeting point of cultures from across the country.
Sinha said the country’s traditions demonstrated that cultural diversity and national unity could coexist, with shared values and collective consciousness connecting people from different regions.
He urged citizens, particularly young people, to use the Foundation Day celebrations to learn about different cultural traditions, develop mutual respect and strengthen social bonds.
“We have the responsibility to internalise the ideals of our ancestors, walk the path they showed us, and make our role in nation-building more effective,” he said.
Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Lieutenant Governor called for collective efforts to build a country that respects diversity, encourages knowledge and innovation, preserves its cultural heritage and ensures dignity, opportunities and meaningful participation for every citizen.
