Chandigarh, May 1: Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, along with his wife Anita Kataria, attended the foundation day celebrations of Maharashtra and Gujarat at Punjab Lok Bhawan, Chandigarh. The foundation day of Himachal Pradesh, which was initially scheduled for April 15, was celebrated on Friday alongside Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The event was organized under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, aimed at promoting national unity and cultural harmony through the exchange of language, culture, traditions, and heritage. The program commenced with a video message from Maharashtra Governor, Jishnu Dev Varma, followed by a documentary showcasing Maharashtra’s heritage, development, and achievements.
Ajit Balaji Joshi, IAS, shared insights on Maharashtra, while Dharmesh Jivani spoke about Gujarat, and Dr. A.K. Atri discussed Himachal Pradesh. Cultural presentations based on the folk heritage of the three states were performed by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala. The cultural programs featured Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnauri Nati and Luddi, Maharashtra’s Soni Mukhade and Lavani, and Gujarat’s Dandiya, Rathwa, and Talwar Raas, captivating the audience. The event concluded with a grand joint performance by all artists.
Governor Kataria extended his best wishes to the citizens of the three states, stating that Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have made significant contributions to nation-building, social justice, cultural prosperity, and economic development. He congratulated workers and laborers on International Workers’ Day, highlighting their role as the foundation of national progress.
Regarding Himachal Pradesh, he noted that the state has emerged as a progressive leader in literacy, education, health, tourism, horticulture, and hydropower. He praised its natural beauty, spiritual heritage, brave soldiers, handicrafts, folk dances, and famous tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, and Dharamshala. He acknowledged the state’s contribution of brave sons to the nation, including Major Somnath Sharma, Captain Vikram Batra, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, and Captain Saurabh Kalia.
In his remarks about Maharashtra, he highlighted its rich civilization, contributions of saints, social reformers, and freedom fighters, along with its role as an economic powerhouse of India. He mentioned Mumbai, UNESCO heritage sites, forts, and traditional cuisines like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Puran Poli. He emphasized the sacred bond between Maharashtra and Punjab through the teachings of Saint Namdev, whose verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He also noted that the connection of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with Nanded and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib symbolizes the enduring spiritual ties between the two states.
Governor Kataria also appreciated Gujarat’s glorious history, entrepreneurship, and contributions to the freedom movement, industry, and innovation.
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