Raj Bhavan Hosts Foundation Day Celebrations for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh

Hnahthial Post | October 30, 2025, Aizawl: Under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today led the celebration of Foundation Days of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Aizawl.

In his address, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh underscored the importance of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ - a key initiative of the Prime Minister designed to promote national integration. He explained that the initiative fosters the exchange of cultural heritage and traditions among diverse communities, transforming any location in India into a vibrant ‘Mini India’. The Governor provided a concise overview of the historical milestones of the honoured states and union territories, lauding their scenic beauty and the admirable qualities of their residents while drawing comparisons with Mizoram.

Mizoram Governor stressed that no other nation matches India’s extraordinary diversity, with every state and union territory boasting distinct cultures and traditions. To realise a united, progressive and developed India -a ‘Viksit Bharat’- collective and harmonious efforts are indispensable, he added. The Governor encouraged the youth in attendance to actively learn more about the cultures, traditions, languages and customs of other states.

The programme was compered by Pi Lalhruaitluangi, APS to the Governor, who also elaborated on the programme’s objectives. Dr. K. Srinivasa Rao from the Department of Geology, Mizoram University and Dr. Ashish Singh Patel from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, NIT Mizoram, gave presentations on the historical and salient features of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, respectively.

Adding a cultural highlight, students from Mizoram Christian College (MCC) captivated the audience with elegant performances of traditional Mizo dances. The formal segment concluded with the Governor and the Lady Governor hosting an informal interaction with participants over tea and refreshments on the Upper Lawn of Raj Bhavan.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were declared Union Territories on October 31, 2019. Andhra Pradesh became India’s first linguistically reorganised state on November 1, 1956, the same day Andaman and Nicobar Islands were designated a Union Territory. Chandigarh was constituted as a Union Territory on November 1, 1966. Chhattisgarh was established as a separate state on November 1, 2000.

The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme aims to build stronger interpersonal bonds and deeper mutual appreciation among India’s varied ethnic groups, cultures and traditions. In line with this vision, the Mizoram Governor has been organising similar Foundation Day events for different states and union territories at Raj Bhavan since June 2023.