Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for strengthening cultural unity, mutual respect and collective participation in nation-building, saying India's diversity and shared civilisational heritage remained central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing a commemorative programme at Lok Bhavan to mark the Foundation Day of 13 states and Union Territories, Sinha said geographical distances could never weaken the emotional bonds connecting people across different regions of the country.
The Lieutenant Governor extended greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu on the occasion.
He said the celebrations reflected India's enduring tradition of unity in diversity and provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people connections.
“Our literary and spiritual heritage, from Keralam to Madhya Pradesh, from Andaman and Nicobar to Andhra Pradesh, tells us that we are integral parts of the same stream of life, and geographical distances can never erase our emotional closeness and the spirit of oneness,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with strengthening coordination, harmony and emotional integration among different regions through the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
He said India's national identity was shaped not merely by geographical boundaries but by a shared cultural consciousness that had connected diverse languages, traditions, customs and knowledge systems for centuries.
Highlighting the contributions of different states, Sinha referred to Kerala's literary and artistic traditions, Andhra Pradesh's role in literature, spirituality and the freedom movement, Karnataka's saint-poet tradition, Punjab's spiritual heritage and Haryana's contribution to devotional literature.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He also highlighted the cultural diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh's significance in modern urban planning and Delhi's position as a meeting point of cultures from across the country.
The Lieutenant Governor said India's cultural and spiritual traditions demonstrated how different identities could coexist while remaining connected through common values and a shared national consciousness.
He urged citizens, particularly young people, to draw inspiration from the country's historical and cultural legacy and translate those ideals into meaningful contributions towards national development.
“We have the responsibility to internalise the ideals of our ancestors, walk the path they showed us, and make our role in nation-building more effective,” he said.
Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat, Sinha said development must be accompanied by respect for diversity, preservation of cultural heritage, scientific advancement and equal opportunities for citizens.
“We must build a developed India where diversity is respected, knowledge and science advance, art and culture are preserved, every citizen receives dignity and opportunity, and our younger generation builds the future with confidence, innovation, and national commitment,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Foundation Day celebrations should encourage greater understanding among communities and strengthen the bonds of national unity while respecting the distinct cultural identities of different regions. (KNS)