Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar

The “The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” programme, an idea of a sustained and structured cultural connect between denizens of different regions, was mooted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October, 2015, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This program was propounded by Hon’ble Prime Minister to celebrate the cultural diversity through mutual interaction and reciprocity between people of different states and union territories so that a common spirit of understanding resonates throughout the country. 16 events of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat events have been planned to be organised at IIT Bhubaneswar under the able guidance of director Prof R.V. Rajakumar 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. Already 12 events have been organised and the 13th day Event of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat has been organised at IIT Bhubaneswar on 2nd October 2018 to showcase the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of the paired states Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity of the country, thus fostering a sense of common identity.

Dr. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Coordinator of the EBSB organising team of IIT Bhubaneswar welcomed the audience on this occasion. As the invent was held on the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, all audience took the sanitation pledge for the cleanliness drive in view of Swatchha Bharat Abhiyan. Among others the EBSB organising team members namely Dr. Sankarshan Mohapatra, Dr. Manaswini Behera, Dr. Meenu Ramadas, Dr. Yogesh G. Bhumkar, Dr. Sourav Sil, Dr. Ankur Gupta and Dr. Tabrez Khan were present in the event.

Informative videos were displayed based on the music, dance, handicrafts, literature, festivals, painting, sports, sculpture, flora, fauna, etc., of the paired states in order to enable audiences learn about different cultural units across varied geographies and to imbibe the innate chord of binding and brotherhood. Students, staffs, faculty and their family members enthusiastically participated in the cultural events with an integrative content relating to the paired states. Spot quiz competition was organized with questions based on the information on the two paired states with active participation of the audience. A photo gallery was displayed at the venue, which showcased the culture, customs and traditions, art forms, handicrafts, cuisines of either state to impress upon the discerning audience about the inter-connectedness between the constituents of various cultures and traditions, which is so vital for the spirit of nation building.