The government’s ambitious Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program is making significant strides in fostering cultural understanding and interaction between different states and union territories, according to a recent statement in the Lok Sabha.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, revealed that the EBSB initiative, which pairs states and UTs for year-round cultural exchanges, involves 16 participating ministries and departments. These bodies organize a wide array of activities focused on language learning, cultural traditions, music, tourism, cuisine, sports, and the sharing of best practices.
At the heart of the EBSB program are several key initiatives designed to engage citizens, particularly youth, in cultural immersion experiences. The Yuva Sangam, an educational and cultural exchange program, has already seen 5,284 participants and coordinators from across the country, including 245 from Maharashtra, engage in immersive experiences of host states’ cultures.
Another notable initiative is the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS), which has held two successful editions celebrating the historic connections between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Nearly 3,900 Tamil delegates have participated in cultural immersion tours, attending seminars, demonstrations, and exhibitions showcasing the rich heritage of both regions.
The government has also leveraged digital platforms to reach younger audiences. The Ek Bharat Sanskriti Sangam (EBSS), an online campaign, encouraged youth aged 18-30 to embrace diverse cultures by performing art forms in languages other than their native tongue.
The Ministry of Culture, through its Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs), has been instrumental in organizing numerous events across the country. In Maharashtra alone, a diverse range of activities are planned, including Lok Kala Darshan, Tribal Dance Festival, Folk Theatre Festival, and the Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Smruti Sangeet Mahotsav.
The scope of the EBSB program is truly national, with events spanning from the International Geeta Mahotsav in Haryana to the Khajuraho Dance Festival in Madhya Pradesh. These varied cultural celebrations showcase India’s rich and diverse heritage while fostering a sense of national unity.