Lok Bhavan Celebrates Foundation Days of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu

Aizawl, January, 2026: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today led the celebration of the Foundation Days of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu. The event took place at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.

In his address, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh highlighted that the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme, spearheaded by the Prime Minister, aims to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural diversity. He stated, “Wherever we go, by showcasing our own culture and traditions and learning about those of others, we build mutual understanding and brotherhood.” Noting that India is a vast and magnificent nation, he observed that many citizens remain unfamiliar with the cultures and traditions of other regions. He underscored the critical importance of appreciating and understanding these diverse cultures to strengthen national unity and integrity. Highlighting key historical aspects of the participating states and Union Territory, he remarked, “We are rich in diversity, yet we are one—this is our strength, and we must realise it.” He urged people from other states, as well as the Mizo community, to learn as much as possible about other cultures and traditions in order to foster stronger bonds of mutual understanding.

The event was compered by Pi Lalhruaitluangi, Addl. PS to the Governor, who explained the purpose of the programme. Video messages from the Governors of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla; Meghalaya, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar; Tripura, Shri Indra Sena Reddy Nallu; and Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel, were screened during the programme. In addition, video presentations showcasing the respective states and the Union Territory were also displayed. Dr. Ch. Sarakham Aimol, Associate Professor at RIPANS, spoke briefly on Manipur’s history, while Dr. Analisha Debbarma, Assistant Professor at CVSc & AH, presented an overview of Tripura’s heritage. Students from RIPANS and Government Johnson College performed captivating cultural dances, adding vibrancy to the programme.

Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura attained statehood on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Uttar Pradesh was established as a state on January 24, 1950, while the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu were merged into a single Union Territory on January 26, 2020.

The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme seeks to promote stronger interactions and deeper mutual understanding among India’s diverse communities, ethnic groups, and ways of life across states and Union Territories. Since June 2023, foundation day celebrations for various states and Union Territories have been regularly organized at Lok Bhavan in Mizoram under the guidance of the Governor as part of this initiative.