Leh, Jan 21: The Foundation Day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat in the presence of Executive Councillors from LAHDC Leh-Shri Ghulam Mehdi and Shri Stanzin Chosphel; ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; IG NWF ITBP, Shri Clay Khongsai, IPS; Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism, Shri Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, IRS and other officials were present during the celebration.
Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur received the title of full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region Re-Organisation Act, 1971 on 21st January 1972. Before this, Meghalaya was a part of Assam while Tripura and Manipur were union territories.
Highlighting the important roles played by the northeastern states in the development of India, Shri Ghulam Mehdi termed the cultural diversity of India as exemplary for the entire world. He also highlighted the empowerment of women in different communities of northeastern states. He stated that horse polo, which is played by the Balti community to which he belongs, is also played in Manipur.
Shri Mehdi thanked the Government of India led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for coming up with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative and providing a platform to physically interact with people from different states and understand their cultures. This programme, he also stated, underlines that ‘we are all part of one big family.’ He also highlighted the foundation day of various states and UTs celebrated in Ladakh and the cultural troops sent from Ladakh to perform in different states/UTs on UT Ladakh Foundation Day last year.
ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, stated that the importance of one nation is only valued and understood by those outside India. He termed the cultural diversity of India as one of the nation’s biggest assets. He also highlighted the importance of moving ahead despite the challenges.
IG NWF ITBP, Shri Clay Khongsai, greeted everyone on the foundation day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Earlier, Commissioner/Secretary, Shri Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, informed that on 21 January 1972, the current three states – Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur received the title of full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region Re-Organisation Act, 1971. He also highlighted the similarities between the people of Ladakh and the northeastern states, especially their Mongoloid features. He stated that many people from northeastern states are working in Ladakh in different sectors. Shri Mehboob informed about the cultural troops comprising school students sent by Ladakh to perform in various states/UTs on the UT Ladakh Foundation Day. He also highlighted the importance of celebrating the foundation day of states/UTs to foster cultural integrity among the people of India.
A message from the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, was also played on the occasion. DIG NWF ITBP, jawans from ITBP, officials and staff of the LG Secretariat were present during the celebration.
