Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that the celebration of State Foundation Day reflects the spirit of unity and embodies the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He emphasized that understanding the country’s rich diversity inspires dialogue and cooperation among different cultures. The Governor said that Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan resulted from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s broad and visionary thinking and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for launching this initiative. He called upon the people of the country to respect the diversity of the states and promote the shared cultural heritage to further strengthen India’s unity.
Governor Shri Patel was addressing the joint Foundation Day celebrations of Telangana and West Bengal, held at the Sandipani Auditorium of Raj Bhavan. On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Shri K.C. Gupta, Additional Secretary Shri Umashankar Bhargava, along with residents of both states living in Madhya Pradesh, were present.
Governor Shri Patel said that India is a diverse and multicultural nation, enriched by the distinct cultures, languages, histories, and traditions of its various states. This unity in diversity has given India its unique identity on the global stage. He emphasized that understanding the rich cultural heritage of different states and recognizing the underlying unity within this diversity is essential to building a stronger and greater India. Highlighting the cultural richness of Telangana and Bengal, the Governor said that their unity in diversity is reflected in their vibrant art, dance, music, and festivals. While each has its distinct folk art and tribal traditions, cultural similarities bind them together. For example, Bengal celebrates Kali Puja, while Telangana observes the traditional festival of Bonalu to worship Goddess Mahakali. Similarly, the festival of Bathukamma is celebrated with great enthusiasm during Navratri in Telangana, while in Bengal, it is observed as Durga Puja.