India’s diversity the foundation of national unity: Telangana Governor
Addressing the Formation Day celebrations of eight States and five Union Territories at Lok Bhavan here, he said bringing them together on a common platform reflected the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthened national integration.The celebrations covered Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, besides the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Accompanied by his wife Janaki Shukla, the Governor inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Describing Hyderabad as a ‘Mini India’, he said Telangana had welcomed people from different parts of the country and promoted mutual respect, harmony and inclusive development.
Recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to national unity, he said the Formation Day celebrations, held after Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, reaffirmed the country’s collective identity.
Although States were reorganised on linguistic lines, they remained interconnected through shared cultural values, traditions and a common national spirit, he said.
Citing the example of people from Rajasthan settled in Hyderabad, the Governor said they continued to celebrate their traditional festivals while participating in Telangana’s cultural festivities such as Bathukamma, reflecting the spirit of cultural integration.
Calling for collective efforts to realise Viksit Bharat, he stressed the importance of self-reliance, inclusive development, education, women’s empowerment, business growth, environmental conservation and good governance.
Development would be meaningful only when all sections of society and every region participated in the country’s progress, he said.
Expressing concern over inadequate rainfall in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, Shukla urged people to conserve water and protect natural resources, observing that environmental protection was the collective responsibility of citizens and not merely the government.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju said people from different States and Union Territories should work together for national development and contribute to enhancing India’s global standing.
Cultural performances showcasing the traditions and artistic heritage of the participating States and Union Territories formed part of the celebrations.
Special Chief Secretary to the Governor M Dana Kishore, Home Secretary Shikha Goel, Director of Zoo Parks Dr Sunil S Hiremath, Joint Secretary Komanduru Shashi Kiran and representatives and residents of the participating States and Union Territories attended.
