Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, on Tuesday graced the cultural programme held as part of the celebration of the Foundation Day of Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under the campaign “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
The Governor, while extending her greetings to all the six members of the Ladakh delegation and the people of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir on their foundation day, said this day provides an opportunity to get together, exchange ideas, reflect on past movement methods and discuss possibilities and challenges for the future.
As per a release from the Raj Bhavan, the governor stated that it was the vision and inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that India is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav, under which all the states of the country are celebrating the foundation day of each other's state under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat campaign.
She expressed that the purpose of celebrating the foundation day is to introduce the youth to art, culture, music, dance, festivals, languages, costumes, traditions and tourist places of various states, so that they can develop knowledge about their countrymen and become familiar with the culture and have all-round development.
She further informed that Ladakh is recognised as a beautiful region due to its natural beauty, situated between the Karakoram Mountains and the Himalayas. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir is known for its natural beauty, Dal Lake, Amarnath Ji, Mata Vaishno Devi place, she added. It is said that if there is heaven anywhere on earth, it is in Kashmir. Due to these characteristics, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir attract people not only from India but from all over the world.
The Governor stated that the state will also try to provide an opportunity to the youth of Manipur to understand their culture by sending them to other states, the Raj Bhavan said.
A cultural programme by the artistes of Government Dance College, Manipur Dance and Goodwill delegate from Ladakh performed vibrant cultural songs and dances to mark the celebration. Folk musical presentations using the popular musical string called “Ko-pong”, folk dance called Jab-ro, Ras Lila, Lai Haraoba Dance, Pung Cholom were the cultural highlights of the evening performed by the artists.
It may be mentioned that on October 31, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir underwent a historic transformation when it was bifurcated into two Union Territories - Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, thereby revoking its special autonomous status granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The decision was made with the aim of promoting development, security, and better governance in the region, the Raj Bhavan said.
The Governor also paid her respect and tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, who is famous as the Iron Man of our country and who unites India after independence on his birth anniversary which is celebrated as National Unity Day today. She also paid her tribute to former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary on Tuesday.
M Joy Singh, Commissioner, Art and Culture Department, Manipur, Ruqaiya, Team leader of delegation from Ladakh, officials & staff of raj Bhavan and students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh presently studying in premier institutes in Manipur also attended the cultural function.
