Mumbai, May 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the 9th Maati Samman Samaroh in Mumbai on Friday, an event celebrating the art, culture, food and tourism of Purvanchal. During the programme, he spoke about the historical and cultural connections between Purvanchal and Maharashtra.

Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha said the relationship between the two regions is reflected in India’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Referring to Lord Ram’s exile period, he mentioned Panchvati, Kashi Vishwanath and Trimbakeshwar while discussing shared heritage.

Describing Purvanchal as more than a geographical region, he said it represents spirituality, culture and devotion. He also felicitated several personalities from Purvanchal during the event.

LG Sinha highlighted the contributions of historical figures including Ahilyabai Holkar, Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar towards preserving cultural and spiritual heritage. He noted the role of Ahilyabai Holkar in the development of structures such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

He also referred to the contributions of saints and poets including Sant Tukaram, Sant Gyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas in shaping social and spiritual thought.

The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to literary figures such as Munshi Premchand and Bharatendu Harishchandra, along with artists including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi and Birju Maharaj.

Remembering India’s freedom fighters, he mentioned Mangal Pandey, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rani Lakshmibai and Chittu Pandey.

He also spoke about the contribution of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Maharashtra’s economic growth and stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions.