Shillong, Nov 03: Meghalaya Lok Bhavan today organised a grand cultural programme to commemorate the foundation and statehood days of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, celebrating India’s unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C. H. Vijayashankar, said the formation of every state and Union Territory marked an important chapter in India’s journey as a nation, reflecting the aspirations of its people, the efforts of generations and the responsibility of building a strong and progressive society.
He emphasised that development must reach every section of society, with a focus on quality education, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, infrastructure and the welfare of rural communities.
“Progress will be meaningful when every citizen has the opportunity to participate in it,” the Governor said, highlighting the important role of youth in shaping India’s future across sectors such as science, technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, sports and public service.
He said the progress of every region contributed to the development of the country as a whole and called for cooperation, shared responsibility and national commitment to realise the vision of a developed India. He also extended his best wishes to the people of the states and Union Territories being commemorated.
A video message from the Governor of Tamil Nadu was screened during the programme. In his message, he said Tamil Nadu was celebrating 70 years since its formation following the reorganisation of states and highlighted the state’s significant contribution to national development.
He said Tamil Nadu had emerged as one of the country’s developed states, with its culture, language and heritage reflecting its progress. He also acknowledged the contributions of successive governments, irrespective of political affiliations, irrespective of political affiliations, to the state’s development.
The Tamil Nadu Governor stated that the state contributes around 9.4 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and was the country’s second-largest contributor to GST in the previous year. He also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s geographical area of approximately 1.30 lakh square kilometres and population of over 7.5 crore, with youth accounting for around 25 per cent.
In his welcome address, Shri H. C. Chaudhary welcomed senior officers from the Indian Air Force, CRPF and other paramilitary forces, officers and staff of the Government of Meghalaya, Central Government institutions, NCC cadets, Scouts and Guides, and media representatives.
He said foundation and statehood day celebrations organised at Lok Bhavans across the country aimed to bring people from different regions closer and promote the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The programme featured cultural performances by artists from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, showcasing the diverse traditions and cultural heritage of the participating states. The Governor later felicitated the participating artists.
