Itanagar, Apr 16: In the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and to foster unity and harmony among the people, the Himachal Pradesh Diwas was celebrated at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Arunachal Pradesh governor KT Parnaik interacted with the members of the Himachali community serving in various government departments, agencies, etc., an official statement from Raj Bhavan said.

Extending warm greetings on Himachal Pradesh Diwas, the governor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the valuable contributions of the Himachali people towards the development and progress of the nation and Arunachal Pradesh.

Highlighting the cultural and geographical affinities between the two states, including shared borders with Tibet, rich tribal heritage, vibrant customs and traditions, exquisite arts and crafts, and thriving biodiversity and tourism, he emphasized the strong bonds of unity and mutual respect.

Paying tribute to Himachal Pradesh as a Vir Bhoomi (Land of the Brave), Parnaik proudly recalled the state's legacy of service in the armed forces, mentioning that nearly every household has at least one member in the armed forces. He also said that the officers and personnel of Himachal Pradesh are known for their loyalty and inspirational attitude.

The governor said celebrating the foundation days of other states provides a meaningful platform to connect with communities residing and working in the state.

This visionary initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he remarked, helps in promoting goodwill, cultural exchange, and a deeper understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.

It is facilitating the realization of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, he said.

As a token of love, the Himachali community of Arunachal Pradesh presented ‘Pahari Topi’ and famed Himachali shawls to the governor.