Chandigarh, November 1, 2026:As part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today celebrated the Foundation Days of eight states Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and seven Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry at a function held at Punjab Lok Bhawan. The Governor extending his greetings to the people of these states and Union Territories, he called for strengthening national unity through mutual respect, cultural exchange and closer cooperation.

The Governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Shri Kultar Singh Sandhwan; Additional Solicitor General of India, Shri Satya Pal Jain; Chief Secretary, Punjab, Shri K. A. P. Sinha; Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Hiriadka Rajesh Prasad; Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh; Director General of Police, Punjab, Shri Gaurav Yadav; Education Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh, Ms. Prerna Puri; Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; and other officials from Punjab and Chandigarh.

The Governor said that every region of India has its own culture, language, traditions and spiritual heritage, yet the country remains united by shared values, beliefs and a sense of belonging with each other. He said that great personalities such as Lord Rama, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, along with freedom fighters and other prominent figures from different regions, are role models for people across the country, who respect their ideals, courage and contributions. He added that this unity is also reflected in our festivals, customs and traditions, which may differ from region to region but form part of India's rich cultural heritage.

Recalling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to national integration, Shri Kataria said that despite differences in languages, food, lifestyles and traditions, the Constitution, national flag and shared sense of belonging unite all Indians. He said that the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative encourages people to understand and respect each other's cultures, share experiences and strengthen the bonds that unite the country, reflecting the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Calling upon citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute towards nation-building, the Governor stressed the need to respect all languages and cultures, promote education and skill development, empower women, encourage sports and work towards a drug-free society.

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Shri Kataria said that every state and Union Territory has an important role in the country's progress. He emphasised that unity, brotherhood, harmony and mutual respect are essential for building a strong and prosperous India. He extended his best wishes to the people of all states and Union Territories and wished them continued peace, progress and prosperity.

Earlier, Secretary Tourism, Chandigarh Administration, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties of Jammu and Kashmir with Punjab and Haryana. He said that these regions share a rich heritage based on harmony, mutual respect and the teachings of Sikh Gurus. He emphasised that all regions must work together with a common commitment towards building a Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Gangadhar Hugar, President of Kannada Sangha, and Shri Hariprasad also shared their views on Karnataka and Kerala, respectively. Shri S. P. Rajasekaran, General Secretary, Tamil Sangam shared his views on Tamil Nadu, also addressed the gathering.

The programme also featured cultural performances representing different regions of the country. Punjab and Haryana were represented through traditional cultural performances showcasing their rich folk heritage. Tamil Sangam presented a Bharatanatyam performance depicting the procession of Lord Nataraja, Kerala Samajam presented Mohiniyattam, and Kannada Sangha performed Aigiri Nandini. The programme concluded with cultural presentations by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC).