DIMAPUR: Raj Bhawan Kohima in Nagaland observed the statehood day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme, on Tuesday (February 20) with the participation of the Nagaland Mizo community and citizens from Arunachal Pradesh residing in Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Nagaland governor La Ganesan, who was the special guest, said the day signified more than the birth of “two of our sister states”.
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He said it is a celebration of the unity in diversity that is the very fabric of our nation.
Ganesan said the central idea of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat is to recognise, respect, and revel in the rich tapestry of cultures that adorn our country from the snow-capped peaks of Arunachal to the lush green hills of Mizoram, that each is vital to the integrity of our nation.
He said Mizoram is renowned for its vibrant culture and melodies that resonate with the ethos of peace and tranquillity while Arunachal Pradesh, the Land of the Rising Sun where the first sunrise hits India, stands majestic with its diverse heritage and is a testament to the serene beauty of nature and the human spirit.
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“Regardless of our geographical boundaries, we are bound by the spirit of India,” Ganesan said while reminding that ‘Nagaland is India’ and ‘India is Nagaland’, so also is Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
The governor congratulated the people of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion. He said the door of Raj Bhavan Kohima is always open to every citizen from every state and Union territory residing in Nagaland, adding they can come anytime to meet him who is most willing to give a patient hearing. He also felicitated the participants during the programme.
Lalthara, former Nagaland chief secretary and the president of the Nagaland Mizo Welfare Association, thanked the governor for his generosity and hospitality in hosting the programme in honour of the two states. He also highlighted the history of the Mizos and their state.
During the programme, video presentations, along with short greeting messages from the governors of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, were screened.