West Bengal Governor R N Ravi on June 20 addressed a Foundation Day programme at Lok Bhavan in Shillong, saying India’s moral conscience is shaped by the ideals of human dignity and social justice. The event marked West Bengal Foundation Day with cultural presentations and speeches reflecting the state’s heritage, history and development.
The programme, attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya H.C. Chaudhary, representatives of paramilitary forces, officials from central and state institutions and members of the West Bengal community, featured Bengali folk songs, folk dances and traditional performances. Renowned Shillong-based singer Amit Paul gave a special musical presentation that drew widespread applause.
Governor Ravi praised spiritual leaders and national figures whose devotion and ideals inspired the freedom movement and helped unite diverse communities across languages and regions. He cited Rabindranath Tagore and his composition Jana Gana Mana as embodying the spirit of a plural India and said such works continue to promote universal values and humanism.
Reflecting on the occasion’s historical dimensions, Ravi noted that West Bengal Foundation Day also recalls the trauma of Partition — the suffering, displacement and disruption it caused — and urged people to remember the resilience shown by those who endured that period. He paid tribute to leaders such as Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee for their roles in keeping West Bengal an integral part of the nation and highlighted Sri Aurobindo’s contributions both to India’s national awakening and to social welfare through his philosophy of Integral Yoga.
In his welcome address, H.C. Chaudhary, speaking on behalf of Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, described the celebration as an important historic observance that reaffirms each state’s unique identity while strengthening national unity. Chaudhary said the event honoured West Bengal’s people — farmers, artisans, teachers, soldiers, entrepreneurs and youth — and acknowledged the state’s progress in education, infrastructure, digital innovation and social welfare.
Organisers said the programme aimed to foster cultural exchange and deeper bonds between West Bengal and Meghalaya, using shared artistic traditions to promote understanding and integration. The celebration concluded with a grand cultural showcase that underlined the continuing relevance of regional heritage in shaping India’s wider social and cultural fabric.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/06/21/ideals-of-human-dignity-social-justice-continue-to-shape-indias-moral-consciousness-wb-guv/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-06-21 03:30:00
