Chandigarh, March 30: Under the leadership of Shri Banwari Lal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, the 75^th Foundation Day of Rajasthan was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Purohit said that in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’, Raj Bhawans in States and UTs are commemorating the Foundation Day of other States and Union Territories. The events are being celebrated with great fervor, showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of the State/UTs whose Foundation Day is celebrated. He informed that as a part of these celebrations, a representative cross section of persons belonging to the State whose Foundation Day is being observed, are invited to Raj Bhawan where they interact and connect with and forge bonds with eminent persons of the State where they are residing.

Recalling the importance of Rajasthan in the cultural heritage of the country, the Governor said that the heritage of Rajasthan has been very strong in every dimension of culture. He said that Rajasthan is famous all over the world for its royal grandeur, culture, forts and palaces. Like the people of Punjab, the people of Rajasthan are always remembered for their bravery and courage.

The Governor said that the spirit of mutual understanding amid a shared history has enabled a distinctive unity in diversity which needs to be nurtured and cherished.

On this occasion, a documentary film on Rajasthan was shown followed by a mesmerizing presentation of folk music, dances including Ghoomar, Nitra Natika on the saga of extra-ordinary courage of Hadi Rani, choreography on Kesaria Balam and Ghani Khamma. The culture programme culminated with a powerful recitation of Pandit Narendra Mishra poem Padmini Gora Badal by Students of MCM College.

The venue was tastefully decorated with Rajasthani bandhani dhuptas and puppets.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included Smt. Pushpa Purohit, Lady Governor, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India, Mr. K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Punjab, Mr. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to Administrator, UT along with his better half, IAS officers from Punjab and UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Mittal, Bhajan Gayak, Mrs. Nisha Bhargava Principal MCM College with staff & students of College and a large number of members of Rajasthan Parishad, Chandigarh who supported the cultural programme on the day along with MCM College.