President Pranab Mukherjee today sent out a message of unity in diversity from this hill town which he termed as 'Mini India'.
A bonhomie between the President and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also at display during a function here.
"Whenever we look at the map of our country and ponder for a while about India, we are simply mesmerised," the President, who is on a three-day visit to Darjeeling, said explaining the diversity.
"There is a huge diversity in a country with 1. 28 billion or 128 crore people, where 100 languages and 1,600 dialects are spoken everyday and people of all the major ethnic groups live under one rule, one flag and one Constitution", Mukherjee said during the state reception' hosted in his honour here.
He appreciated the efforts by Mamata Banerjee to bring integration among the various ethnic and cultural groupsand providing them opportunities for their self development.
"Darjeeling is mini India. Truly a Mini India," the President said.
Mukherjee also remembered his association with the state's chief minister.
"She is just like my younger sister. We have shared many moments of joy, trouble. Many experiences...We have shared many ideas (through) many years working together. I would simply say you are doing well. Carry on. God bless you," the President said.
Earlier in the function, Banerjee sought the blessings of the President by touching his feet.
She also gave a copy of photograph taken by her to Mukherjee.
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and other dignitaries were also present during the function.
