Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan – Fostering Unity in Diversity

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan is a Government of India initiative launched in 2015 to promote national integration through cultural, educational, and linguistic exchanges between states. Learn about its objectives, themes, state pairings, and key activities.

Table of Contents

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan is a visionary initiative launched by the Government of India aimed at enhancing national integration and celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2015, on the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the program aims to build enduring connections between the people of different States and Union Territories (UTs) through cultural, educational, and linguistic exchanges.

What is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan?

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan is a cultural campaign that seeks to promote mutual understanding, collaborative learning, and emotional unity among the citizens of India. It involves pairing of States and UTs to undertake a structured engagement that includes language learning, cultural shows, tourism promotion, and educational exchanges, fostering a true sense of national unity.

Objectives of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan

To Celebrate Unity in Diversity: Showcase India’s diverse traditions and cultures, strengthening the emotional bond among citizens.
To Promote National Integration: Encourage inter-state engagements that help dissolve regional prejudices.
To Share Best Practices: Enable states and UTs to learn from each other’s achievements in governance, culture, agriculture, education, and more.
To Build Long-Term Cultural Partnerships: Create sustained interaction between people of different linguistic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds.
To Create a Common Identity: Foster a strong sense of belonging and common national identity across the country.

State and Union Territory Pairings

Under this Abhiyan, Indian states and UTs are paired for one year (or longer), allowing them to engage in cultural, educational, and economic exchange. Examples of pairings include:

States / UTs	Partnered With
Haryana	Telangana
Uttarakhand	Karnataka
Maharashtra	Odisha
Himachal Pradesh	Kerala
Rajasthan	West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh	Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya
Bihar	Tripura & Mizoram
Delhi	Sikkim & Assam
Gujarat	Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh	Manipur & Nagaland

Key Features and Themes

State Pairings for Cultural Exchange

States and UTs are paired annually to interact and learn about each other’s traditions. These pairings involve:

Cultural performances such as folk dances, music, and art exhibitions.
Language learning programs to promote linguistic diversity.
Student exchange programs for educational and cultural exposure.
Promotion of tourism through joint campaigns and familiarization tours.

Emphasis on Diverse Indian Culture

The initiative showcases India’s multifaceted culture — encompassing music, dance, cuisine, literature, handicrafts, festivals, and sports — promoting the idea of a seamless national identity despite regional differences.

Economic and Social Integration

Apart from cultural exchange, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat encourages economic collaboration and sharing of governance best practices to build stronger bonds beyond culture.

Illustrative Activities under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Cultural Exchange Programs: Folk dance competitions, music concerts, and art exhibitions.
Literary Exchanges: Translation of award-winning books and poetry, exchange programs for writers and poets.
Educational Tours: Reciprocal visits for students and teachers to learn about partner States.
Culinary Festivals: Showcasing regional cuisines and culinary techniques.
Language Workshops: Teaching partner State languages in schools and colleges.
Tourism Promotion: Organizing homestays, Rajya Darshan, and familiarization tours.
Media Initiatives: Broadcasting programs of partner States on regional radio and TV channels.
Traditional Sports Exposure: Encouraging learning and playing of partner State sports.
Joint Participation in National Events: Parade contingents and tableaux showcasing partner State culture.

Impact and Importance of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan

Fosters Social Harmony: Promotes understanding and respect across cultural, linguistic, and regional boundaries.
Strengthens National Integration: Helps create a cohesive national identity among citizens.
Enhances Youth Engagement: Encourages students to participate actively in cross-cultural learning.
Boosts Tourism and Economy: Supports economic growth by promoting inter-state tourism and business exchanges.
Promotes Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve and propagate traditional arts, crafts, and languages.

Conclusion

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Abhiyan is a powerful and timely initiative that embodies the spirit of India’s unity in diversity. By encouraging cultural, educational, and economic exchanges, the campaign is instrumental in building a more integrated, harmonious, and resilient India. It helps citizens appreciate the vast cultural wealth of the nation while reinforcing their shared identity as Indians.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat FAQs

What does "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" mean?

"Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" means "One India, Great India," emphasizing unity in diversity.

When is "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" observed?

"Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" is observed throughout the year.

How to write an essay on "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat"?

To write an essay on "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat," describe its goals, activities, and the significance of cultural exchange in promoting national unity.