West Bengal Foundation Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, dignity and cultural splendour at Haryana Lok Bhawan today. The event was graced by Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and First Lady Smt. Mitra Ghosh; Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria; Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini and his wife Smt. Suman Saini; Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Singh Kalyan and his wife Smt. Reshma Kalyan; Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana along with several distinguished guests and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of West Bengal Day. He said that West Bengal is not merely a state but a vibrant centre of India’s cultural, intellectual and spiritual heritage. The people of West Bengal, he noted, continue to preserve and cherish their rich traditions, values and legacy with great pride.
The Governor said that Bengal not only participated in India’s renaissance but also played a pioneering role in leading it. Its contributions to social reform, education, literature, art, science and the freedom movement have been extraordinary and enduring. He remarked that the state has produced numerous visionaries and luminaries whose ideas and achievements have shaped not only India’s destiny but have also left an indelible mark on the world.
Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh further stated that West Bengal is globally renowned for its rich cultural heritage, literary excellence, music, art, handicrafts and vibrant folk traditions. Emphasising the importance of national integration, he said that India’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst diversity.
Programmes such as Foundation Day celebrations provide an opportunity to appreciate the country’s cultural richness and further reinforce the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”Earlier, addressing the gathering, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh Gulab Chand Kataria, extended his warm greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of West Bengal Foundation Day.
He said that the initiative of celebrating the foundation days of various States across the country was envisioned by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi with the objective of strengthening the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.* He noted that this unique initiative provides an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, arts and rich heritage of different States, thereby fostering greater national integration and mutual understanding. Sh Kataria also highlighted West Bengal’s invaluable contribution to the nation’s social, cultural, literary and intellectual development.
West Bengal Led India's Renaissance – CM Nayab Singh Saini
Extending his greetings on the occasion of West Bengal Day, Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the day is not merely an occasion for celebration but an opportunity to pay tribute to a great land that taught India how to think, awaken, and stand up against injustice.
He said that West Bengal is the land of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, whose words stirred the soul of the nation; of Swami Vivekananda, whose inspiring vision and historic address elevated India's spiritual and cultural stature across the world; and of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, whose stirring call, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” continues to inspire patriotism and selfless service to the nation. It is the land of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, whose spiritual legacy helped establish Bengal as a beacon of spirituality and philosophical thought.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that Bengal did not merely participate in India's renaissance but played a pioneering role in leading it. He said that West Bengal's contribution to literature, art, education, social reform, and the freedom movement has been unparalleled and continues to inspire generations.
He further stated that India today is reaching new milestones in economic growth, social development, and technological advancement. Expressing confidence in West Bengal's immense potential, he said that the State's rich intellectual heritage, dynamic youth population, strategic geographical location, and vibrant cultural traditions position it to play a leading role in realizing the vision of Atmnirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi envisions Bengal as the focal point of Purvodaya and the growth engine of Eastern India. He said that this vision can be realized by combining the State's traditional strengths with innovation, entrepreneurship, and a forward-looking approach to development.
During the ceremony, colourful cultural performances depicting the rich heritage of West Bengal captivated the audience. Artists from Mishti Adda and the troupe led by Pandit Subhash Ghosh showcased the State's vibrant traditions through folk dances, music, and cultural presentations, earning appreciation from the distinguished guests.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Rajesh Khullar, Director General of Police Sh Ajay Singhal, Additional Director General of Police Sh Saurabh Singh, Secretary to Governor Sh Vijay Kumar Bhavikatti, and ADC to the Governor Sh Dheeraj Setia, besides several other dignitaries and senior officials.