India’s extraordinary strength lies in its ‘unity in diversity,’ a sentiment powerfully echoed by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar during a recent statehood celebration. Addressing attendees at Lok Bhavan for the joint observance of Nagaland and Assam Statehood Day, the Governor remarked that despite varied languages, cultures, traditions, and ways of life, a unifying spirit binds the nation. The combined celebration was organized because the statehood days, December 1st for Nagaland and December 2nd for Assam, fell during a period when he was away. Governor Gangwar lauded the citizens of Nagaland and Assam residing in Jharkhand, recognizing their dedication and skills as vital to the state’s progress. He described these northeastern states as luminous examples of India’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. The Governor emphasized the critical role of Northeast India in national security, environmental protection, safeguarding cultural legacies, and promoting national cohesion. The region’s exceptional biodiversity, ancestral wisdom, diverse tribal cultures, enchanting music, artisanal crafts, and vast tourism opportunities are sources of national pride. Speaking about Assam, he highlighted its fame for folk art, literature, music, and history, further distinguished by the revered Kamakhya Temple, the majestic Brahmaputra River, the lively Bihu dance, and its world-renowned tea plantations. Nagaland, characterized as the ‘land of festivals,’ showcases its cultural richness through traditional music, indigenous clothing, skilled handicrafts, and the globally acclaimed Hornbill Festival. Governor Gangwar lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative for its success in nurturing cross-cultural understanding and dialogue across India. He also expressed thanks for the decision to rename Raj Bhavans to Lok Bhavans. Concluding the event, he wished for the sustained development and increased international visibility of Nagaland and Assam’s unique cultural identities. He urged for a renewed commitment to unity, harmony, and the collective endeavor of nation-building. Dr. Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Additional Chief Secretary, conveyed greetings and acknowledged the cultural contributions of Assamese icons like Bhupen Hazarika and Zubin Garg, alongside the significance of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival.
