Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat
“Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting mutual understanding and bonding among the people of different states and Union Territories (UTs) of the country. The program, launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of India while fostering a sense of unity and national integration.
Objectives of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”
Cultural Exchange:
Encouraging people to experience the culture, traditions, and practices of other states and UTs through various exchange programs.
Strengthening Unity:
Promoting national integration and a deeper understanding of India’s rich diversity.
Learning and Sharing:
Facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices in areas such as education, agriculture, and tourism.
Enhancing Interaction:
Building long-term engagements and partnerships among states and UTs.
Key Activities and Programs
State Pairings:
States and UTs are paired with each other for a period, during which they carry out various activities to learn about each other’s culture, language, cuisine, and heritage.
Cultural Events:
Organizing events like folk dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions to showcase the paired states’ cultural heritage.
Student Exchange Programs:
Facilitating educational tours and exchange programs for students to visit and study in paired states.
Tourism Promotion:
Encouraging tourism by promoting tourist spots and heritage sites of the paired states.
Language Learning:
Initiatives to learn and promote the languages of the paired states through classes, workshops, and interactive sessions.
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Examples of State Pairings
- Haryana and Telangana
- Uttarakhand and Karnataka
- Himachal Pradesh and Kerala
- Maharashtra and Odisha
These pairings rotate periodically to ensure that all states and UTs get the opportunity to engage with multiple regions of the country over time.
Impact and Significance
The “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative plays a crucial role in promoting unity in diversity by encouraging mutual respect and understanding among the citizens of India. It also helps in breaking down regional barriers and fosters a sense of shared identity and purpose among the people.
Overall, “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” is a strategic effort to weave a stronger and more integrated India through cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.