What is the need?

• India is a unique nation, whose fabric has been woven by diverse linguistic, cultural and religious threads, held together into a composite national identity by a rich history of cultural evolution, coupled with a freedom struggle that was built around the tenets of non-violence and justice. 
• The spirit of mutual understanding amidst a shared history has enabled a special unity in diversity, which stands out as a tall flame of nationhood that needs to be nourished and cherished into the future.
• Time and technology have narrowed down distances in terms of connect and communication. 
• In an era that facilitates mobility and outreach, it is important to establish cultural exchanges between people of different regions, as a means to further human bonding and a common approach to nation-building. 
• Mutual understanding and trust are the foundations of India’s strength and all citizens should feel culturally integrated in all corners of India. 

About Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat:

The PM announced the plan on October 31, 2015 –– Rashtriya Ekta Diwas –– to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel to revive a sense of ‘nationhood’. 

The broad objectives of the initiative are as follows:

• 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;
• To PROMOTE the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all Indian States and Union Territories through a year-long planned engagement between States;
• 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 sense of common identity
• TO ESTABLISH long-term engagements and,
• TO CREATE an environment which promotes learning between States by sharing best practices and experiences.

Why in News?

PM Elaborates ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Through Consolidation of Systems and Processes.

References:

1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1684089
2. https://ekbharat.gov.in/Pages/About