Lok Bhavan, Shillong, today celebrated the Foundation Day of West Bengal with a vibrant programme held at the Durbar Hall, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, historical legacy, and developmental journey.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, H.C. Chaudhary, along with dignitaries from paramilitary forces, Central and State Government institutions, and members of the West Bengal community, attended the celebration.
The event featured colourful cultural performances highlighting the folk traditions of West Bengal, offering the audience a glimpse into the state’s unique artistic and cultural identity. The programme included Bengali folk songs, folk dances, traditional dance performances, and a special musical presentation by renowned singer Amit Paul, who hails from Shillong.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of West Bengal R.N. Ravi said that human dignity and social justice continue to shape the moral consciousness of Bharat. He highlighted the contributions of spiritual leaders and national icons whose devotion and ideals inspired the freedom movement and united people across regions and languages.
He said that the works of figures like Rabindranath Tagore, whose composition Jana Gana Mana gave expression to the spirit of a diverse Bharat, continue to inspire confidence, universal values, and humanism across the world.
Reflecting on the significance of West Bengal Foundation Day, Ravi said the occasion also serves as a reminder of a painful chapter in history marked by the Partition, which brought immense suffering, displacement, and disruption to countless lives.
“On this day, we pay our humble gratitude to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and his revolutionary colleagues, whose sacrifices and efforts made it possible to keep West Bengal as an integral part of Bharat,” he said, while urging people to remember the resilience and sacrifices of those who endured the hardships of that period.
The Governor also spoke about the contribution of Sri Aurobindo, stating that he not only played a significant role in India’s national awakening through his revolutionary activities but also propagated the philosophy of Integral Yoga for the welfare of humanity.
In his welcome address, H.C. Chaudhary, on behalf of Governor of Meghalaya C.H. Vijay Sankar, extended greetings to all participants and described the occasion as an important historic celebration.
He said that such commemorations reaffirm the commitment to preserving the unique identity of every state while strengthening the bonds of unity among the people of India.
“Today’s celebration is a tribute to the people of West Bengal—the farmers, artisans, teachers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and youth—who are contributing towards building a stronger and more inclusive society,” Chaudhary said.
He added that West Bengal continues to progress in areas such as education, infrastructure, digital innovation, and social welfare under the guidance of its leadership.
The celebration concluded with a grand cultural showcase celebrating the traditions of West Bengal and fostering cultural exchange and national integration.
