- Governor Shri Patel participated in the joint foundation day programme of Rajasthan, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh.
- The event was organised under “Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat” at Lok Bhawan.
Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that the State Foundation Day celebrations are a celebration of the power of unity in India’s diversity. They introduce each other to each other’s art, culture, history, and development, promoting mutual harmony, love, and brotherhood. He said that the celebrations are also a means to recognize and introduce the power of unity in diversity to future generations. Governor Shri Patel said that this is not just a celebration of dates, but also a celebration of India’s rich, historical, and cultural journey, which inspires us to establish new dimensions of development while preserving our heritage.
Governor Shri Patel was addressing the joint foundation day celebrations of Rajasthan, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday. On this occasion, he extended greetings to the residents of all three states on their foundation day. Dr. Navneet Mohan Kothari, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was also present at the event, held in the Sandipani Auditorium of Lok Bhavan.
Governor Shri Patel said that the concept of “One India, Best India” is a commendable initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is an effort to unite all states to realize the vision of a developed India. Governor Shri Patel also called on representatives from the three states to contribute to a developed India by the year 2047.
- Freedom fighters and great men remembered
Governor Shri Patel remembered the freedom fighters and great men of the three states at the foundation day celebrations of Rajasthan, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh. He said that the contributions of freedom fighters like Balmukund Bissa, Arjun Lal Sethi, Kesari Singh Barhat, Vijay Singh Pathik, Jamnalal Bajaj, Hiralal Shastri, Sagarmal Gopa, and Manikya Lal Verma from Rajasthan were invaluable in building an independent India. The indomitable courage and patriotism displayed by Lakshman Naik, Malati Choudhary, Jamunibati Patnaik, Surendra Sai, and Atal Bihari Acharya from Odisha in the freedom struggle are a symbol of inspiration for patriots. In Himachal Pradesh, Ram Singh Pathania blew the bugle of rebellion against British rule. Kanshi Ram, known as the “Pahari Gandhi,” gave a new direction to the freedom movement through public awakening and struggle. Similarly, Dr. Y.S. The struggle and sacrifice of Parmar, Padam Dev, Shivanand Ramola, Purnanand, Satyadev, Sadaram Chandel, Daulat Ram and Thakur Hazara Singh are an inspiration for every generation. Governor Shri Patel also appealed to all citizens, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from the sacrifice, courage and dedication of these great fighters, to play an active role in nation-building and to realize the resolve of “One India – Best India.”
- The art and culture of all three states are amazing.
Governor Shri Patel said that Rajasthan’s devotional tradition, Meera’s hymns, magnificent forts, folk art, music, dance, handicrafts, the Thar Desert, and various World Heritage Sites are India’s global identity. Among India’s spiritual and architectural heritage, Odisha, the sacred land of Lord Jagannath, and the Sun Temple of Konark are symbols of our cultural glory. Himachal Pradesh, known as the Land of the Gods, has unparalleled natural beauty, clean environment, religious beliefs, and mythological traditions that enrich our cultural heritage and glorify our national identity.
- Our goal is a strong, prosperous and self-reliant India.
Governor Shri Patel said that while our geographical and cultural characteristics may differ, our goal should be a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. He said that building a ‘self-reliant India’ will only be possible through the coordinated efforts of Odisha’s mineral resources and industrial development, Rajasthan’s renewable energy and tourism development, and Himachal Pradesh’s environmental protection.
- A glimpse of the folk, classical and cultural heritage of the three states was seen.
Presentations based on the folk culture and classical traditions of Rajasthan, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh were presented before Governor Shri Patel. He praised all the captivating cultural performances. Governor Shri Patel described the full participation of women and daughters in all the cultural presentations as an example of women’s empowerment. The Rajasthan Cultural Society presented the Ghoomar and Puppet dances. A short film based on the history and art culture of Rajasthan was screened. A message from Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati and a short film from the state were broadcast. Cultural presentations included the classical Odissi dance and a dance in praise of Lord Jagannath by the Utkal Samaj. A short message from Himachal Pradesh Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta and a short film based on the history of Lok Bhavan, Himachal Pradesh were shown. The Himachal Samaj Janseva Samiti presented a cultural presentation based on the state’s folk, art, and devotional traditions.
Governor Shri Patel was given a traditional welcome by the representatives of Rajasthan, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh residing in Madhya Pradesh, in keeping with the culture of their respective states. Governor Shri Patel was presented with a Rajasthani turban, Odisha handicrafts, a Himachali cap and a fruit basket. Former DGP Shri Santosh Kumar Rawat, Shri Ramesh Agarwal, Shri Purushottam, citizens residing in the three states and officers and employees of Lok Bhavan were present at the joint function.