Maharashtra Diwas and Gujarat Gaurav Din celebrated at Lok Niwas under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.

Maharashtra Diwas and Gujarat Gaurav Din celebrated at Lok Niwas under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
Leh: Maharashtra Diwas and Gujarat Gaurav Din were celebrated with great enthusiasm at Lok Niwas under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and unity of the two states. The event witnessed participation from employees and defence personnel from Maharashtra and Gujarat currently serving in Ladakh.
Observed annually on May 1, Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day commemorate the formation of the two states in 1960 following the enactment of the Bombay Reorganisation Act, which led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay State into Marathi-speaking Maharashtra and Gujarati-speaking Gujarat. The historic development was the outcome of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and the Mahagujarat Movement, which advocated for linguistic reorganisation of states.
The celebration highlighted the distinct cultural identities and contributions of both states. Maharashtra, known for its illustrious legacy of stalwarts such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, continues to play a pivotal role in India’s socio-economic landscape, with Mumbai serving as the country’s financial and entertainment capital. Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as a symbol of enterprise and innovation, emerging as a hub of business and start-ups.
On the occasion, video messages from the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, and the Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, were played. The state song of Maharashtra was presented, and a documentary showcasing the art, culture, and traditions of Maharashtra was screened for the audience.
Dr. Mahesh Jadhav, Scientist at DIHAR-DRDO, emphasised the importance of preserving India’s ancient cultural heritage while embracing modernity. He highlighted that unity should transcend divisions of language and caste, advocating a nation-first approach. He remarked that India’s true strength lies in its unity in diversity and extended his greetings on the statehood day of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Under Secretary Ms. Sumera Shafi underscored the significance of celebrating the foundation days of states and Union Territories under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which promotes national integration by fostering appreciation of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. She stressed that diversity should serve as a unifying force rather than a dividing factor. She also paid tribute to the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of defence personnel serving in Ladakh under challenging conditions, safeguarding the nation away from their families.
Officials and staff of Lok Niwas actively took part in the celebration of the foundation day of Maharashtra and Gujarat states.