Lucknow: The Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day celebrations were held at Raj Bhavan under the chairmanship of Governor Anandiben Patel. The event featured a vibrant display of Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage, with folk art, singing, and dance performances by artists from the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department and the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj.
In her address, Governor Patel praised the artists for their lively performances, highlighting the rich tribal culture, tourist attractions, wildlife, rivers, and universities of Madhya Pradesh. She mentioned the efforts to preserve and promote folk arts at various locations in the state and noted places of religious significance like Pachmarhi and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. She also spoke about the Janjati Museum in Bhopal, managed by the tribal community, and lauded Bandhavgarh and Kanha Tiger Reserves for their tiger conservation efforts.
Governor Patel highlighted the Narmada River’s significance to Madhya Pradesh, calling it a “mother” to the state. She emphasized the river’s role in providing drinking water, electricity, tourism, and employment across four states. Recalling her tenure as Governor of Madhya Pradesh, she advocated for enhanced basic facilities and compulsory education in backward and terror-affected areas to reduce criminal tendencies. Governor Patel described Madhya Pradesh as a “green, scenic, and essential state” for tourism.
During the event, the Governor visited an exhibition and rangoli display featuring Madhya Pradesh’s culture, food, music, pilgrimage sites, and notable personalities. A documentary screened at the function showcased the state’s folk culture, key attractions, and recent developments since its establishment.
The celebration was attended by various dignitaries, including Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Principal Secretary of the Culture Department Mukesh Meshram, Special Secretary Shriprakash Gupta, Special Officer for Education Dr. Pankaj L. Johny, and Special Officer Ashok Desai, along with officials, staff, and students from Madhya Pradesh.
