Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.) extended warm greetings to residents of various States and Union Territories celebrating their Foundation Day, as well as to the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands marking the Islands’ own Foundation Day.
In his message, the Lieutenant Governor conveyed his best wishes to residents from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territories of Delhi, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry living in the Islands. He lauded the contribution of these regions to India’s unity in diversity, describing their achievements as vital to the nation’s progress and shared identity under the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
Admiral Joshi praised the cultural richness and accomplishments of each region—Andhra Pradesh for its artistic heritage, Chhattisgarh for its emerging industrial strength, Haryana for its leadership in agriculture and sports, and Karnataka for its technological innovation. He described Kerala as a land of natural beauty and vibrant traditions, and Madhya Pradesh as the “Heart of India,” reflecting historical grandeur and cultural diversity. Punjab, he said, continues to inspire through its resilience and agrarian progress, while Tamil Nadu remains a cradle of ancient Dravidian art and architecture.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the significance of the Union Territories, acknowledging Delhi as the nation’s political and cultural nucleus and Chandigarh as the “City Beautiful,” symbolizing modern planning and shared administrative pride. Lakshadweep, he noted, embodies India’s pristine maritime charm, and Puducherry retains its unique character as the “French Riviera of the East,” blending colonial heritage with South Indian culture.
He emphasized that each of these regions represents the strength of unity in diversity—the foundation of India’s identity as a nation bound by culture, cooperation, and collective progress. “As we celebrate this day, we honor their remarkable achievements across culture, agriculture, industry, innovation, and governance,” he said, adding that the occasion reinforces national integration and the collective pursuit of a developed India.
Extending separate greetings on the Foundation Day of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral Joshi described the archipelago as a “true reflection of India’s unity in diversity,” often referred to as Mini India for its harmonious blend of cultures from across the nation. He acknowledged the rich heritage of the Islands’ indigenous tribes and the vibrant traditions of settlers who together form the social fabric of the territory.
Recalling the historic significance of the Cellular Jail, the Lieutenant Governor described it as a symbol of the courage, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of India’s freedom fighters. He commended the resilience of Islanders who have overcome challenges such as the 2004 tsunami and transformed the region into a thriving and admired destination known for harmony, natural beauty, and sustainable progress.
Admiral Joshi noted that in recent years, the Islands have witnessed substantial growth in infrastructure, connectivity, and public welfare, reflecting a broader transformation aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that these developments will strengthen the Islands’ role in the nation’s growth story.
“May this Foundation Day inspire us to work together with renewed dedication and unity towards realizing the shared vision of a strong, progressive, and Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said, extending his heartfelt greetings to all residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the communities from across India who call the archipelago home.
