01.06.2026: Sikkim and Goa State Foundation Day Celebrated at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan

Publish Date : June 1, 2026

01.06.2026:The State Foundation Days of Sikkim and Goa were celebrated through cultural performances at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan today in the presence of Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. Organised in collaboration with the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, the programme featured students of the University presenting folk songs and traditional dances of Sikkim and Goa, showcasing the cultural heritage of the two States. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said that celebrating the State Foundation Days of different States provides an opportunity to appreciate their unique cultures and traditions and helps strengthen the spirit of national integration. Vice-Chancellor of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University Dr. Apoorva Palkar, Joint Secretary to the Governor S. Ramamoorthy, Comptroller of the Governor's Households Dr. Nishikant Deshpande, and members of the Sikkim community residing in Mumbai for education and professional pursuits were present.

Sikkim and Goa State Foundation Day Celebrated at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan

The Foundation Days of Sikkim and Goa were celebrated in Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in the presence of Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma in Mumbai, on Monday, 1 June.

The programme was organised by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University. Students of the University presented folk songs and folk dances of Sikkim and Goa.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said that celebrating the foundation days of different states provides an opportunity to appreciate their culture, attire, folk dances, and music, thereby strengthening national integration.

The Governor observed that although Sikkim and Goa are separated by hundreds of miles, both states exemplify the spirit of “Unity in Diversity.”

He noted that while Sikkim is renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges, Goa is blessed with beautiful beaches. Both states have emerged as preferred destinations for domestic as well as international tourists.

The Governor remarked that Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is not a celebration of uniformity but a celebration of diversity. He said that India is not merely a geographical entity bounded by borders but a nation enriched by a vibrant and multifaceted cultural heritage.

Pointing out that Goa is a neighbouring state of Maharashtra and that the two states share strong cultural ties, the Governor encouraged people from Sikkim residing in Mumbai for education and employment to form an association and extend mutual support to one another.

The Governor congratulated the students of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University for their excellent cultural performances. The audience particularly appreciated the Goan song-and-dance presentation, Maria Pita Che.

The programme also featured video messages from the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, and the Governor of Goa, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati. Short films showcasing the history, heritage, and tourist attractions of both states were screened on the occasion.

Dr. Apoorva Palkar, Vice-Chancellor of Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, felicitated the Governor during the programme.

S. Ramamoorthy, Joint Secretary to the Governor; Dr. Nishikant Deshpande, Comptroller of the Governor’s Households; and members of the Sikkimese community settled in Mumbai were present. Assistant Administrative Officer Sanjay Karange proposed the vote of thanks.