Itanagar, Jun 20: In the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the Foundation Day of West Bengal was celebrated with warmth, colour, and cultural vibrancy at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar today. The celebration brought together the Bengali and Gorkha communities of Arunachal Pradesh to showcase the rich heritage of West Bengal.
Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), and the First Lady Anagha Parnaik, graced the occasion, participating wholeheartedly alongside members of the West Bengal community residing in the State.
Greeting the gathering, the Governor extended his warm wishes to the people of West Bengal on their Statehood Day and congratulated the Bengali and Gorkha communities for their longstanding contributions to the development and progress of Arunachal Pradesh. He noted that their dedication and cultural vibrancy have enriched the social fabric of the State.
Parnaik emphasized that West Bengal has been a land of revolutionary ideas and reformist leaders. Recalling the contributions of luminaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who fought against the Sati and dowry systems, he described West Bengal as an inspirational state that has played a significant role in shaping India’s socio-cultural and intellectual landscape. He also acknowledged the pioneering efforts of institutions like the Ramakrishna Mission, along with the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas in strengthening the education system in Arunachal Pradesh, adding that the Ramakrishna Mission represents the shared values that bind the people of both states.
Highlighting the importance of cultural exchange, the Governor remarked that such celebrations provide young students of Arunachal Pradesh a valuable opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures of India. He said that when children are exposed to the traditions, music, and values of other states, they grow up with greater empathy, understanding, and respect for our nation's unity in diversity.
A delightful cultural programme, where students from the Nrityangan Dance & Music Academy, Itanagar, performed the traditional Bengali folk dance ‘Aaj Dhaner Khete’, celebrating the spirit of rural Bengal. They also presented the iconic Bengali group song Dhono Dhanye Pushpe Bhora, written by poet Dwijendralal Roy, evoking nature and patriotism. A spirited Gorkhali dance, 'Kadam Chala', was performed by Lhamu Dolma Tamang, Ghendun Lhamu Tamang, and Shruti Biswakarma, reflecting the vibrant Gorkha tradition.
Adding a unique Arunachali touch to the celebration, students of PM SHRI Arunodaya School, Itnagar, performed Ngo Sisang ne Dolung Lokke Mimum, a local folk dance. The students of the school had attended earlier Statehood Day celebrations as special guests of the Governor at Raj Bhavan.
The most heartwarming highlight of the event was the performance of a traditional Bengali duet folk dance, Sohag Chand Bodhoni, based on Bengali wedding rituals. This dance was beautifully presented by two young tribal students of Arunachal Pradesh,  Miss Techi Ajum of Class VIII, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Itanagar, and Miss Tarh Dai of Class XI, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Itanagar,  showcasing the deep cultural integration fostered through such celebrations.
The students and Sisters from Sacred Heart Convent & Day Care, Itanagar, attended the event as the special Guests of the Governor.
As part of the programme, the message of the Governor of West Bengal Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, was read out on the special occasion.
The Governor and the First Lady hosted a high tea for the participants and interacted warmly with the members of the Bengali and Gorkha communities, appreciating their efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage in their adopted home.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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