ITANAGAR, 27 Aug: As part of the Raksha Bandhan celebrations, students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Chimpu, accompanied by their teachers, called on Governor KT Parnaik at the Lok Bhavan here on Thursday and tied rakhis to him.

Interacting with the students, the governor said that Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of a brother-sister relationship and also a reminder of the collective duty of every citizen to protect and nurture the values that bind society together. He emphasised that the festival inspires individuals to uphold compassion, harmony, respect for women, and a sense of responsibility towards one another.

The governor said that the thread of rakhi signifies a pledge to stand by each other in times of need and to contribute towards building a caring and inclusive society.

The governor advised the students to grow into responsible and useful citizens by cultivating discipline, integrity, empathy and a spirit of service. He encouraged them to pursue excellence in their chosen fields, and assured them that he would always support and facilitate their efforts to achieve their aspirations.

Members of the Brahma Kumaris, led by Brahma Kumari Junu, also tied rakhis to the governor on the occasion.

Extending his greetings to the organisation, the governor appreciated the Brahma Kumaris for their selfless service to society and their sustained efforts in promoting spiritual values, moral education, peace and social harmony. He noted that through their global network spanning over 140 countries, the Brahma Kumaris have played a significant role in fostering inner transformation, women's empowerment, character building and community welfare.

The governor encouraged the members to continue inspiring individuals, especially the youths, to embrace values of discipline, compassion, integrity and responsible citizenship. He emphasised that nation-building is achieved not only through economic and infrastructural development but also through the cultivation of strong moral and spiritual foundations among citizens.

Meanwhile, the governor extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, and expressed hope that the festival would deepen the bonds of love, affection and trust among siblings, and inspire greater harmony, goodwill and peace in the society.

Parnaik said that Raksha Bandhan, literally meaning the 'sacred bond of protection', is a timeless celebration of the unique relationship between brothers and sisters. Beyond the ceremonial tying of the rakhi, the festival embodies enduring values of care, respect, responsibility and mutual support, he said.

"In a diverse nation like ours, Raksha Bandhan serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, cooperation and social cohesion in building a peaceful and progressive society," he said. (Lok Bhavan)