LG Manoj Sinha Highlights Deep Cultural Bonds Between Purvanchal and Maharashtra at Maati Samman Samaroh
Mumbai, May 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the 9th Maati Samman Samaroh in Mumbai, describing Purvanchal as a “living consciousness” rooted in spirituality, culture and civilizational values.
Addressing the gathering at the cultural festival celebrating the art, cuisine, tourism and heritage of Purvanchal, the Lieutenant Governor said the historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Purvanchal and Maharashtra have remained strong for centuries. He referred to the spiritual connection reflected during Lord Ram’s exile, including his visit to Panchvati and worship at Kashi Vishwanath and Trimbakeshwar, which he said strengthened the traditions of both regions.
Sinha said Purvanchal was not merely a geographical region but an enduring civilizational idea that has continuously offered humanity new perspectives. He described the region as a symbol of spirituality, devotion, art and cultural vibrancy, representing the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati along with the values of sacrifice and selfless service.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the contributions of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar, particularly in preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage during periods of foreign invasions. He noted that several temples and ghats, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ahilyabai Ghat, were developed under the patronage of Ahilyabai Holkar.
Highlighting the contributions of saints and spiritual leaders from Maharashtra and Purvanchal, Sinha said figures such as Sant Tukaram, Sant Gyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, Sant Ramdas, Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas played a vital role in awakening social consciousness and guiding society toward reform and harmony.
He further stated that Purvanchal has been a cradle of spiritual and intellectual traditions, producing sacred texts, literary works and cultural icons that shaped Indian civilization. He also acknowledged the contributions of freedom fighters, educationists and artists from the region, including Mangal Pandey, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi and Birju Maharaj.
The Lieutenant Governor said migrants from Purvanchal carried Indian culture across the world, particularly to countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Suriname and Guyana, making the region an important part of global cultural exchange.
Referring to the economic contribution of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in Maharashtra, Sinha said Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh today stand among India’s leading economic engines, significantly contributing to the country’s growth and development.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural roots, the Lieutenant Governor urged the younger generation to remain connected with traditions and values, stating that a nation aware of its civilizational spirit never loses its direction.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also felicitated several distinguished personalities from Purvanchal for their contributions in different fields.
