From Haryana to Keralam: Six States Mark Foundation Day, Modi and Murmu Extend Wishes

Several Indian states and Union Territories marked their foundation days on Sunday, November 1, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Keralam, and President Droupadi Murmu extending wishes to 13 states and Union Territories. She said their heritage and traditions have powered India’s growth.

Modi posted a separate message for each state on X. He called Madhya Pradesh a land of glorious heritage and praised its role in building a self-reliant India. For Chhattisgarh, he said it was heartening to see the state racing ahead on development while uprooting Naxalism. In a letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, he said Bastar, once a Maoist “Red Corridor”, is becoming a symbol of peace, trust and development. Haryana was hailed for its farmers and athletes, Karnataka for its strength in IT, biotechnology, aerospace and artificial intelligence, and Tamil Nadu for manufacturing, space technology and its cultural legacy. His “Keralappiravi” greetings to Keralam celebrated the state’s achievements in healthcare, education and science.

The biggest ceremony was in Haryana, which completed 60 years of statehood. Murmu was chief guest at the “ Hirak Jayanti ” (diamond jubilee) celebrations at Kurukshetra University. She praised the state’s contributions to the freedom struggle, democracy, literature and science. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini noted that Haryana holds just 1.34 per cent of India’s land but contributes about 3.6 per cent of its GDP, and builds two of every three passenger cars made in the country.

In Chhattisgarh, which turned 26, a three-day Rajyotsava began in Nava Raipur on the theme “ Sashakt Nari, Yuva Udaan ”. Singers including Palak Muchhal and Abhijeet Bhattacharya are performing, and the Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter team will stage an air show over Sendh Lake on November 2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the closing ceremony on November 3.

Karnataka celebrated its 71st Rajyotsava, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hoisting the national flag and the red-and-yellow Kannada flag. He said the government will explore a legal framework to give the Kannada flag official status, a proposal the Centre had earlier turned down. In Keralam, the 70th Piravi was the first since the state’s renaming, and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the next five years will shape its future. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Vijay urged people to protect the Tamil language and heritage on Tamil Nadu Day. His government has said it will observe both November 1, marking the state’s formation in 1956, and July 18, marking the 1967 renaming resolution, though the PMK has pressed it to give November 1 full weight.

Madhya Pradesh marked its 71st Foundation Day with the theme “ Samridh Kisan - Samridh Rajya ” (Prosperous Farmer - Prosperous State), tied to the Year of Farmers’ Welfare. The state-level event at Bhopal’s Lal Parade Ground has cultural performances and fireworks.

Different languages, different histories, one shared pride: from Haryana’s diamond jubilee to Keralam’s first Piravi under its new name, the day showed India celebrating its diversity while moving ahead together.