Under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, Raj Bhavan organized a special ‘Milan Programme’ today to commemorate the Foundation Day of Bihar, Odisha, and Rajasthan. Citizens from these states residing in Himachal Pradesh participated in the event.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Lady Governor Janaki Shukla honored the attendees by presenting them with the traditional Himachali cap and muffler as a mark of respect.
The event was graced by the presence of Director General of Prisons S. R. Ojha, Additional Director General of Police Abhishek Trivedi, Additional Director General of Home Guards Satwant Atwal and Director of Social Justice Kiran Badhana, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor highlighted the rich culture, traditions and contributions of these states, emphasizing that such events exemplify the true spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ He remarked, “Shimla is home to people from various states who often cannot celebrate their respective Foundation Days due to their busy schedules. This event provides a sense of belonging, making them feel at home away from home.”
The Governor also reiterated his commitment to keeping Raj Bhavan accessible to the public. He announced that Raj Bhavan remains open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, reinforcing the idea of fostering unity and cultural exchange. “The concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ is about connecting with one another, understanding different languages, and recognizing each other’s traditions and attire,” he added.
During the event, attendees introduced themselves and shared insights into the rich cultural heritage of their respective states. Musician Dhanpat captivated the audience with a mesmerizing Rajasthani folk song.