Vision:
”Sardar Patel ji gave us ‘Ek Bharat’ (One India). It is now the solemn duty of 125 Crore Indian to collectively make it ‘Shresth Bharat’ (Foremost India). We can do so by drawing inspiration from the life and contributions of Sardar Sahib”.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Background (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat):
There is no country like India, quite as diverse, multi-lingual and multi- cultural, yet bound together by the ancient bonds of shared traditions, culture and values. Such bonds need to be strengthened through enhanced & continuous mutual interaction between people of varied regions and ways of life so that is encourages reciprocity & secures an enriched value system of unity amongst people of different States in a culturally special country like India.
“Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17. Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
All States and UTs will be covered under the programme. There will be pairing of States/UTs at national level and these pairings will be in effect for one year, or till the next round of pairings. The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for State level activities. District level pairing would be independent of the State level pairings. The activity will be very useful to link various States and Districts in annual programmes that will connect people through exchanges in areas of culture, tourism, language, education, trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity of a much larger number of State/UTs while realizing that India is one.
Objectives of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
The broad objectives of the initiatives are as follows:-
1. To celebrate the unity in Diversity of our Nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our country.
2. To promote the spirit of National Integration through a deep and structured engagement between all Indian States & Union Territories through a year long planned engagement between States.
3. To showcase the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either state for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a serve of common identity.
4. To establish long term engagement and
5. To create an environment which promotes learning between states by sharing best practices & experiences.
