About the scheme

• The initiative ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ was launched by the Government of India on 31st October, 2015 to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel to revive a sense of ‘nationhood’. 
• The Ministry of Education has been designated as the Nodal Ministry for co-ordination of the programme. 
• 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.
• 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?

• Drawing from themes in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ongoing celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, the Ministry of Education is organising a week long educational-cum-cultural tour to Auroville under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB). 
• Auroville, founded in 1968, is envisioned as a universal town where men and women of all countries can live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics, and all nationalities. 
• The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity in diversity, based on the life, work, and direct action of Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, the Mother

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2000252