31-10-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand On the Occasion of Foundation Day Celebrations of Various States and Union Territories at Lok Bhavan.

Respected dignitaries, distinguished guests from various States and Union Territories, ladies and gentlemen,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you.

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you all to this समारोह being organised at Lok Bhavan, Uttarakhand, under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.

Today, we are celebrating the Foundation Day of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as the rich heritage and glorious legacy of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territories of Delhi, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, whose Foundation Days are observed on 1 November.

I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of all these States and Union Territories.

Protecting the unity and integrity of the nation is the solemn duty of every Indian. Placing national interest above individual and family interests is the true expression of patriotism and national commitment. When devotion to our motherland becomes the inspiration behind our every action, only then can the resolve of building a strong and united India become a reality.

Distinguished guests,

Today, on 31 October, we remember the great architect of India’s unity, the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji.

At the time of Independence, the integration of the princely states and the preservation of the integrity of newly independent India were among the greatest challenges before the nation. Through his unwavering determination, foresight and diplomatic acumen, Sardar Patel Ji played a decisive role in bringing more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union. His contribution laid a strong foundation for the political integration of modern India.

He demonstrated that when national interest is placed above everything else and the resolve is firm, even the greatest challenges can be overcome. The India we see today, united as one nation, stands as a testimony to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation.

On the occasion of National Unity Day, I pay my respectful tribute to this great national leader.

With the objective of further strengthening this spirit of national unity in the hearts of every citizen, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji announced the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative on 31 October 2015. This initiative has emerged as an important platform for promoting cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and a sense of affinity among the people of different States and Union Territories.

The message of this initiative is clear—we must take pride in our own languages, cultures and traditions while equally respecting the unique identity of others.

When a student from one State understands the culture of another State, when knowledge and experiences are shared among States, and when citizens draw inspiration from one another’s achievements, national unity ceases to remain merely an idea and becomes a lived experience.

Ladies and gentlemen,

India’s greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity.

The Himalayan grandeur of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the historical heritage of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka’s rich traditions of music and knowledge, the tribal culture of Chhattisgarh, Haryana’s sporting spirit, Punjab’s valour and tradition of service, Kerala’s cultural richness, Andhra Pradesh’s literary heritage and Tamil Nadu’s ancient civilisation represent invaluable dimensions of India’s national culture.

The distinctive identities of Delhi, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands further enrich India’s vibrant and diverse heritage.

Our languages are many, our attire is diverse and our traditions may be different; but our motherland is one and our national resolve is one.

Diversity is our identity, unity is our strength, and patriotism is our common foundation.

Our ancient civilisation has always conveyed the message of harmony and coexistence. The Rig Veda declares:

“Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manansi Janatam.”

Let us move together, let us speak together, and let our minds be in harmony.

This timeless Vedic message continues to inspire us to preserve our individual identities and distinctiveness while remaining united in the larger national interest.

This sacred land of Uttarakhand is the land of Lord Shiva’s penance, the source of Mother Ganga, and a timeless centre of the spiritual pursuit of sages and seers.

The spiritual consciousness of Uttarakhand, the valour of its soldiers, its folk culture and its tradition of public service enrich India’s shared heritage. Devbhoomi teaches us that love for the nation is not merely an emotion; it must find expression through a sense of duty, sacrifice and responsibility towards society.

Every State possesses its own distinctive strengths. Through greater cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism, technology, environmental conservation and disaster management, we can learn immensely from one another.

We must ensure that cultural exchange does not remain confined to ceremonial occasions, but becomes connected with the lives of students, youth, women and entrepreneurs.

Building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a prosperous India and a Viksit Bharat is our collective goal.

For this, it is essential that the strength of every State becomes a source of national strength and that every citizen receives opportunities for progress.

Our youth must innovate, women must play an effective role in nation-building, farmers and workers must prosper, and the benefits of development must reach the last person in society.

The preservation of our natural and cultural heritage is also an integral part of this national responsibility.

Our Constitution guides us towards national unity, integrity, fraternity and the fulfilment of our fundamental duties. Along with being aware of our rights, it is the responsibility of every citizen to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication.

Distinguished guests,

On this auspicious occasion, I call upon all of you to take a pledge—that along with the progress of our respective States and Union Territories, we will always place the progress of the nation above all else.

We will respect our linguistic and cultural diversity, strengthen bonds of affection and fellowship among the States, and reinforce national unity through our conduct and actions.

Let our younger generation recognise and celebrate India’s diversity. Let our future generations take pride in their heritage. And let every citizen contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat.

Let us build an India where diversity is not a source of division, but a source of strength; where progress is not confined to a few regions, but reaches every citizen; and where national unity is not merely an ideal, but a way of life and a shared national value.

Let us draw inspiration from the ideals of national commitment exemplified by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji and make the resolve of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ an integral part of the lives of every citizen.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes on the Foundation Day to the people of all the concerned States and Union Territories and wish them a bright future and continued progress.

With these words, I conclude my address.

Vande Mataram!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!