Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir | June 22, 2025– On June 21, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir’s Raj Bhawan in Srinagar hosted a cultural evening to mark West Bengal Foundation Day, observed on June 20. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the event, honoring freedom fighters and luminaries from West Bengal who shaped India’s intellectual, spiritual, and political landscape. The celebration highlighted India’s unity in diversity and West Bengal’s lasting contributions to the nation.
In a virtual address, Sinha extended greetings to West Bengal’s people, praising the state’s rich heritage. “West Bengal has preserved ancient traditions while maintaining vibrant societal energy. Its influence spans the freedom movement, literature, music, arts, drama, and cinema,” he said. He paid tribute to figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Swami Vivekananda for their role in shaping modern India.
Attended by officials, security personnel, and West Bengal community members in Jammu & Kashmir, the event featured cultural performances. Sinha stressed collective efforts for a progressive society, noting, “Unity in diversity is our strength, empowering us to fulfill our forefathers’ dreams.”
Sinha urged youth to build on West Bengal’s legacy, contributing to Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He expressed hope that West Bengal would achieve new heights of progress, aligning with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative promoting cultural exchange. The event strengthened ties between Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, fostering shared heritage.
West Bengal, a hub of the Bengal Renaissance, has produced pioneers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Satyajit Ray. Sinha highlighted its role in the freedom movement, inspiring generations. The cultural evening brought Bengal’s spirit to Srinagar, resonating with attendees.
Under Sinha’s leadership, Raj Bhawan has become a center for celebrating India’s diversity, with recent events like Telangana Formation Day and Goa Day on June 2, 2025. The West Bengal Foundation Day event reinforces inclusivity and national integration in Jammu & Kashmir.
Sinha concluded with wishes for West Bengal’s prosperity, praying for its people’s well-being. The event underscored West Bengal’s role in India’s cultural and intellectual fabric, affirming Raj Bhawan’s commitment to unity and progress.
