Arunachal Governor hails Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat as unity platform
Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh Governor K.T. Parnaik used the joint Statehood Day celebration of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh in Itanagar to spotlight PM Modi's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative as a living model of national unity — invoking the state's post-1962 war solidarity and its deep mythological ties with Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
Parnaik addressed the joint Statehood Day event at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar on 1 May 2025 .
The event celebrated the Foundation Days of Gujarat and Maharashtra and the Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh .
Governor Parnaik highlighted contributions of people from these states to Arunachal Pradesh's development , especially post the 1962 war .
Cultural performances included Arunachali group dance , Lavani , Garba , Tippani dance , and folk songs from Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
Young speakers from Let's Speak Arunachal delivered prologues on Maharashtra and Gujarat's cultural heritage.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (retired) on Friday, 1 May underscored that the celebration of Statehood Days of various states under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" initiative has emerged as a powerful platform for fostering national integration across India's diverse communities. Speaking at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, the Governor said the initiative brings together people from varied backgrounds, reinforcing the spirit of unity within India's rich cultural diversity.
Event Highlights at Lok Bhavan
The State Foundation Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra, along with the Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh, was celebrated with cultural vibrancy and enthusiasm at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar on Friday. A large number of residents from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh currently living in Arunachal Pradesh attended the event. Governor Parnaik was accompanied by the First Lady of the state, Anagha Parnaik, who also graced the occasion.
What the Governor Said
Addressing the gathering, Governor Parnaik emphasised that such Statehood Day celebrations enable people to share experiences, understand each other's aspirations, and discuss the challenges faced by communities living away from their native states. He noted that these initiatives bring people closer and strengthen the spirit of nationalism, unity, and collective belonging. The Governor also acknowledged and appreciated the valuable contributions made by people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh towards the growth and development of Arunachal Pradesh.
Reflecting on historical ties, Parnaik recalled the deep-rooted mythological connections shared with the people of Gujarat, which continue to be celebrated today. He also fondly noted the significant contributions of people from Maharashtra in the social development of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the years following the 1962 war, when national solidarity played a vital role in rebuilding communities.
Cultural Performances That Stole the Show
The programme featured a rich display of cultural performances representing India's diverse traditions. Highlights included a traditional Arunachali group dance by students of Rajiv Gandhi University, depicting the indigenous heritage of the state. This was followed by a classical Lavani performance by Manami Gamlin of Vivekanand Kendra Vidyalaya at Nirjuli.
Students of CK Bliss, a school dedicated to fine and performing arts, presented energetic Lavani and Garba performances, while students of Nrityangan showcased the lively Tippani dance of Gujarat. Folk songs from participants representing Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh added a melodious and emotional touch to the evening.
Young Voices Add Cultural Depth
Young speakers from Let's Speak Arunachal — Banu Rigia, Anya Sonam, and Anya Maying — delivered engaging prologues on Maharashtra and Gujarat, offering the audience insights into the cultural richness and heritage of both states. The event, organised in the true spirit of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, fostered mutual respect, cultural exchange, and national integration. Such celebrations are expected to continue strengthening the bonds between India's states and communities in the months ahead.
Point of View
Where post-1962 reconstruction was partly carried out by communities from Maharashtra and Gujarat, these ties are not manufactured sentiment but lived history. The Governor's invocation of that wartime solidarity was pointed — a reminder that national unity in border states has always been more than a slogan. Whether the Centre translates these cultural moments into durable economic and social linkages between states remains the real question.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative?
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is a Central Government initiative launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote national integration by encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding between India's states and union territories. It facilitates events like joint Statehood Day celebrations to bring together people from diverse regional backgrounds.
What was celebrated at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on 1 May 2025?
The Foundation Days of Gujarat and Maharashtra, along with the Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh, were jointly celebrated at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on 1 May 2025. The event was attended by residents from these three states living in Arunachal Pradesh and was graced by Governor K.T. Parnaik and First Lady Anagha Parnaik.
What historical connection did Governor Parnaik highlight?
Governor Parnaik recalled the significant contributions made by people from Maharashtra in the social development of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the aftermath of the 1962 war. He also noted deep-rooted mythological ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat that continue to be celebrated today.
Which cultural performances were featured at the Itanagar event?
The event featured a traditional Arunachali group dance by Rajiv Gandhi University students, a Lavani performance by Manami Gamlin of Vivekanand Kendra Vidyalaya, Garba and Tippani dance performances by students of CK Bliss and Nrityangan respectively, and folk songs from Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh participants.
Who are the young speakers from Let's Speak Arunachal?
Banu Rigia, Anya Sonam, and Anya Maying — young speakers from the group Let's Speak Arunachal — delivered prologues on the cultural richness and heritage of Maharashtra and Gujarat at the Itanagar event on 1 May 2025.
