Why is ek bharat shreshtha bharat program being conducted

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program is being conducted to strengthen national integration by promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among India's diverse states and union territories. Launched on October 31, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it pairs states/UTs annually for year-long engagement activities. The program aims to celebrate India's unity in diversity through initiatives like language learning, cultural festivals, and educational exchanges, fostering a sense of shared heritage and identity.

Key Facts

Launched on October 31, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Pairs states/union territories annually for year-long cultural exchanges
Involves all 28 states and 8 union territories of India
Focuses on language learning, tourism, cuisine, and traditional art forms
Aims to enhance mutual understanding and national integration

Overview

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India) program is a Government of India initiative launched on October 31, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister known for unifying princely states. The program was officially announced during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day) celebrations. It builds on Patel's vision of a united India by addressing contemporary challenges of regionalism and cultural divides in a country with 28 states and 8 union territories, over 22 officially recognized languages, and diverse traditions. The initiative seeks to operationalize the constitutional ideal of "unity in diversity" by fostering deeper connections between people from different regions, countering stereotypes, and promoting a pan-Indian identity. It aligns with national goals like the New Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multilingualism and cultural awareness.

How It Works

The program operates through an annual pairing system where states and union territories are matched for a year-long engagement. For example, in 2021-2022, Tamil Nadu was paired with Jammu and Kashmir, and Karnataka with Uttarakhand. These pairings rotate yearly to ensure broad coverage. Activities include language learning programs where people learn basic phrases of their paired state's language, cultural festivals showcasing music, dance, and cuisine, student exchange programs between educational institutions, and tourism promotions highlighting heritage sites. The Ministry of Education coordinates the program, with support from state governments, schools, universities, and cultural organizations. Digital platforms like websites and social media are used to share resources and track progress. The program also involves competitions, workshops, and collaborative projects in areas like handicrafts and agriculture, encouraging grassroots participation and economic ties.

Why It Matters

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program matters because it directly impacts daily life by reducing regional prejudices and fostering social cohesion in a multicultural society. For instance, it helps students appreciate diverse histories and languages, enhancing educational outcomes and employability in a globalized world. In practical terms, it boosts domestic tourism and local economies by promoting lesser-known cultural sites and products. The program strengthens national security by building trust across regions, countering divisive forces. It also preserves intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional arts, which might otherwise fade. By encouraging interactions between people from different backgrounds, it contributes to a more inclusive and resilient India, supporting long-term goals like sustainable development and communal harmony.