To promote national unity and goodwill among different cultural communities in the country, the Foundation Day celebration of 8 states and 5 union territories including Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry was organized in the Guru Nanak Auditorium of Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh.
The event was jointly organized by Punjab Raj Bhavan and Chandigarh Administration.
This event was celebrated under the “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” programme of the Government of India, which aims to connect the people of the entire country with each other.
Speaking on the occasion, Banwari Lal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory, Chandigarh said that despite the diversity in food, lifestyle, costumes etc. in different states of India, our country is one from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He said that when our bond of unity becomes stronger, our greatness in the world will also increase.
He further said that through Foundation Day celebrations, people of one state gain knowledge of the culture and traditions of other states. It allows us to learn about and appreciate the unique histories, traditions and contributions of each state which promotes mutual understanding between people thereby strengthening the unity of India.
On this occasion, the Governor called upon all to work unitedly to realize the dream of making India a Vishwaguru and to participate in the progress of the state and the nation.
On the occasion, a cultural program by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) featuring a kaleidoscope of performances was organized. The rich cultures of different states were presented through fascinating cultural presentations including Dhadi singing, Jhoomar dance and Bhangra of Punjab, folk instruments and Ghoomar dance of Haryana, Panthi dance of Chhattisgarh, dance from Kerala etc. was performed, which enthralled the audience.
Prominent people present on the occasion included Anup Gupta, Mayor UT Chandigarh, Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India, K. Siva Prasad IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Punjab. Gaurav Yadav, DGP, Punjab, Praveer Ranjan, DGP, UT, Chandigarh. Arun Kumar IAS (Retd.) Chief Commissioner, Chandigarh Right to Service Commission, Sunil Jakhar, President, BJP, Punjab, Sanjay Tandon, Arun Sood and other prominent citizens including senior IAS and IPS officers from Punjab and UT Chandigarh. Over 300 people from different spheres of life and different ethnicities witnessed the event.