PUNJAB RAJ BHAVAN HOSTS MAHARASHTRA AND GUJARAT FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION
CHANDIGARH WITH COSMOPOLITAN CULTURE IS INDEED A MINI INDIA — BANWARI LAL PUROHIT
CHANDIGARH, MAY 1: In a bid to promote national integration and foster unity among the diverse cultural groups in city, Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh hosted celebration of the foundation day of Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1 in Guru Nanak Auditorium in the Raj Bhawan premises.
The foundation day is a special day in which the states celebrate their establishment. By celebrating the foundation days of other states, we hope to promote mutual respect and understanding among people of the different regions of our country, said Banwari Lal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and UT, Chandigarh. He added that Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has regularly stressed on celebrating every state’s heritage and traditions as part of his “Ek Bharat, Shreshtra Bharat” initiative and the celebration is in line with the same sentiment.
“I believe that national integration is crucial to building a strong and united country. By celebrating the foundation days of other states, we hope to create an environment of inclusiveness and mutual respect, which are essential values for a diverse country like ours,” said the Governor.
Speaking on the occasion, Purohit said that Chandigarh offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture where everyday people from diverse walks of life engage and mingle with each other. Chandigarh is indeed a Mini India where people from different states live in harmony and showcase a true vision of India’s unity in diversity. He said that all the communities be it Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Rajasthani, Keralities or the Tamilians, have contributed immensely to the progress of the City Beautiful and have enriched the city with their culture and traditions.
“Let us embrace our diversity and work towards a more united and harmonious India”, said Purohit.
He hoped that the celebration would create a sense of belongingness in the communities staying away from their native States.
Earlier during his address being the International Labour Day, the Governor congratulated the workers for their multifaceted contribution in building Punjab and the nation.
The evening was marked by a colourful bonanza of Maharashtraian & Gujarati dance performances by Artists of North Zone Cultural Center (NZCC). Gujarati dandiya, Rathawa and Siddi Dhamal and the Maharashtraian Lavni and Gondhal regaled the audience.
