23-03-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor on Bihar State Foundation Day
Jai Hind!
Today, on this sacred land of Uttarakhand, the premises of ‘Lok Bhavan’ are witnessing a historic and spiritual confluence. Sitting amidst the holy Himalayas, we are experiencing the fragrance of ‘Magadh’ and ‘Mithila’, regions that have upheld India’s pride on the global stage for centuries.
On the occasion of this grand celebration organised under the ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, I extend a warm welcome to all of you and convey my heartfelt greetings to the people of Bihar on their Foundation Day.
When we speak of Bihar, it is not merely the name of a state, but the very center of India’s consciousness. It is the sacred land that gave the world its first lesson in democracy. The soil of Vaishali, where the roots of republican governance were planted, continues to teach the world that people’s power is the true strength of a nation.
This state illuminated the world with the light of knowledge through its universities at a time when much of the world was in darkness. This is the land where the teachings of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira gave rise to the stream of non-violence; where Chanakya’s wisdom shaped justice; and where the valor of Emperor Chandragupta and the great Ashoka realized the dream of a united India.
The relationship between Uttarakhand and Bihar is not merely geographical but deeply spiritual. While Badrinath and Kedarnath are gateways to salvation, Gaya stands as a great pilgrimage site for ancestral liberation. This bond symbolizes our eternal cultural unity.
This unbreakable connection dates back to the Treta Yuga, when Prince Shri Ram of Ayodhya married Princess Sita of Mithila. Today’s gathering at Lok Bhavan is a modern and grand reflection of that sacred ‘Ram-Sita’ relationship.
The holy river Ganga connects us—originating here in Uttarakhand and nourishing millions as it flows through the vast plains of Bihar toward the ocean.
Our cultures are rooted in reverence for nature. Uttarakhand’s ‘Igas’ festival reflects deep Himalayan devotion, while Bihar’s ‘Chhath Mahaparv’, through the worship of the setting and rising sun, spreads a message of hope across the world. Both festivals symbolize gratitude toward nature and optimism in life.
When the beats of Uttarakhand’s traditional drums and the melodies of Bihar’s shehnai resonate together, they create the true harmony of ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’. This unity reflects the oneness of our cultural soul.
The greatest strength of Bihar lies in its intellectual richness. From Chanakya to Aryabhata, and from Dr. Rajendra Prasad to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Bihar has always provided visionary leadership to the nation.
Even today, Bihar’s talent contributes significantly to Uttarakhand’s development. Whether in administration, education, healthcare, or other sectors, your dedication continues to enrich this land.
I also salute the laborers who have come from Bihar and are building roads, tunnels, and dams in the challenging terrains of Uttarakhand. Your hard work is not just construction—it is laying the foundation of Uttarakhand’s future.
My dear young friends,
In this era of technology and innovation, AI and the digital revolution are powerful tools of progress. I urge you to use technology not only for convenience but also to solve complex societal challenges. The fusion of your intellect and modern technology will drive the vision of a developed India.
Vision for ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’
Let the youth of Uttarakhand draw inspiration from the legacy of Nalanda, and the youth of Bihar explore the depth of yogic wisdom in Rishikesh. The convergence of knowledge and spiritual discipline will build a balanced, strong, and enlightened India.
My young friends,
You are the architects of this nation’s destiny. Bihar’s message reminds us: “Efforts, not mere wishes, lead to success.” Its history stands as a testament to triumph through perseverance.
Never forget your roots. Take pride in your language, folk traditions, and heritage. Today’s event is not just a celebration—it is a pledge to break barriers of language and region, and to build an India where the greatest identity is being “Indian.”
Brothers and sisters,
India’s diversity is not a weakness but the thread that binds us together. National unity and integrity form our strongest shield. When we rise above self-interest and place the nation above all, we move toward a stronger and united India.
Our regional identities make us unique, but our national identity makes us invincible. Let us adopt “Nation First” as the guiding principle of our lives. Only then can we lay the foundation of a developed and secure India.
My young friends,
A developed India by 2047 is not just a goal—it is the foundation of a golden future for generations to come. I call upon you to dedicate your energy and innovation to nation-building. Through collective effort and determination, India can once again rise as a global leader.
In conclusion, I bow once again to the great land of Bihar, which gave India its first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the powerful voice of poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’.
Bihar’s future is bright, for where labor and knowledge unite, progress is inevitable.
May Bihar continue to prosper, its traditions flourish, and its spirit remain ever vibrant.
Let the nation always remain supreme—this must be our ultimate goal. Together, let us move forward with the resolve of “Nation First” and realize the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
With these words, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on Bihar State Foundation Day.
Jai Hind! Jai Bihar! Jai Uttarakhand!