KOHIMA, JUNE 2 (MExN): The 11th Telangana State Foundation Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural pride at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on June 2, under the banner of the Government of India’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, graced the occasion as the chief guest and delivered a keynote address emphasizing national unity, development, and inter-state harmony.
Praising Telangana as a progressive state and a beacon of innovation, Governor Ganesan said, “Telangana’s journey – from its formation in 2014 to becoming a torchbearer of progress – mirrors the very soul of modern India.” He underscored the event as more than a symbolic celebration, calling it a powerful reminder of India’s strength in diversity.
Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, the Governor commended the country’s collective spirit. “When India stands united, no challenge can test our shared oneness,” he stated, lauding the political maturity that saw parties set aside ideological differences to stand together in the national interest. “Every state, every religion, and every citizen – both young and old – stood behind our armed forces and leadership. Despite our diversity, we showed that India always comes first,” he added.
Highlighting the state’s achievements, the Governor pointed to several welfare schemes that have contributed to Telangana’s inclusive development. He cited the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, which provides Rs 3 lakh in financial aid to disadvantaged women for housing, and the Mahalakshmi Scheme, which supports 1.5 crore women with Rs 2,500 monthly assistance, free bus travel, and subsidised LPG. Other initiatives such as Indiramma Indlu, Praja Palana, and Gruha Jyothi, which offers 200 units of free electricity per month, were also mentioned as examples of citizen-centric governance.
“Hyderabad is now regarded as the IT and AI capital of India,” he noted, attributing this rise to visionary leadership and strong public engagement.
Addressing the Telangana community residing in Nagaland, Governor Ganesan encouraged them to act as cultural ambassadors and development catalysts. “You are not just earning a livelihood here; you are building bridges between Telangana and Nagaland. Share your knowledge and mentor the youth around you,” he said.
The programme began with a welcome address by Thavaseelan K, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor. Sankar Surada, President of the Nagaland Telugu Samaj, delivered a speech on Telangana, while a devotional Telugu song performed by B. Jay Shankar added a cultural flourish to the event. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Kevingozo Visa, Under Secretary to the Governor.
