About the initiative

• The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• The programme aims to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different States and UTs in India, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding amongst them.
• As per the programme, each year, every State/UT would be paired with another State/UT in India for reciprocal interaction between the people. It is envisaged through this exchange, that the knowledge of the language, culture, traditions and practices of different states will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between one another, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
• To carry forward this unique initiative in the present time,  it has been decided to  move towards digital mediums for the activities under the programmee by each participating Ministry and  Department.

Why in News?

• Government has decided to take forward the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme using innovative ways during the COVID 19 outbreak such as organizing webinars on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat themes for their wide dissemination.