Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat celebrates 'Unity in Diversity': Experts

Talking about the teachings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and also about Assam and Rajasthan — the two States grouped together in 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', dance educationist and danseuse from Kolkata Alakananda Roy said that the folk dances of Assam including Bihu and Bagurumba, Xatriya, Bhortal and Ojapali exhibit exuberance and elan in their vivacity besides demonstrating the vivid culture of the place.

An entrepreneur in the fashion industry, Anita Dutta Gupta said that 'Muga Silk' in Assam is utilized in diverse costumes such as saris, mekhela sadors and other Assamese dresses. She also said that accessories in the textiles market — including in bridal wear — are having immense influences from the local culture. She further said that the muga silk sector is getting popular among the up-and-coming generation.

Another entrepreneur reminiscing her journey in the fashion and textile industry and Beauty Pageant Mrs India East IAB (2019), Swagata Paul said that the Assamese 'gamosa', 'japi' and 'xorai' are items of great respect in Assam. She pointed out that in Assam people appreciate and respect others cultures. She further said that Rajasthan is the land of kings and the State's rich culture and traditions depict the Indian way of life as reflected in 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

Dr Lopamudra Datta, Principal of Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology said that just as Assam, Rajasthan is a state with the unity of colourful festivals and folk songs and dances and to add to flavour of its culture are Bandhini textile, colourful Leheriya, Kota Doria, Sanganeri in Jaipur Rajasthan and Jaipuri Quilts, among others. She said that the culture is exemplified in educational institutes where students coming from various places of India study and experience 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

Talking about teachings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, JP Shaw, Head of the Department of Travel and Toursim, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata and former Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism said that the celebration of seasons in their diverse forms in Assam including Rongali, Kongali and Bhogali, Baisagu and Bohuwa dances demonstrates the rich culture of the people. He further said that students are the ambassadors of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

Mayukh Gangopadhyay, Professional Sarod player, Kolkata said that besides textiles, all folk dances including Kalbeliya, Ghoomar and Kathputali demonstrate the vivacity and exuberance of Rajasthan.

Debasis Dhara, professional performer from Purbo Bardhamaan said that dance, drama and music performances and textiles reflect popular culture and they do affect the populace. He further said that while the Dilwara temple, Kumbhshyama temple of Chittor, Somesvara temple in Kiradu, the forts of Rajasthan such as the Amer Fort at Jaipur, the Chittor Fort at Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort at Bikaner, Nahargarh Fort at Jaipur are places of tourism, the palaces of Rajasthan such as the Dholpur Palace and the Hawa Mahal in pink sandstone add to the glamour of the place.

Sunil Kalai, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, Tripura University at Suryamaninagar in Tripura said that while camels in Thar Desert add to the biodiversity of Rajasthan, there are rhinos in Kaziranga (Assam). He further said that environment affects culture too. He added that the textile industry should be tapped for generation of employment among the youths in a region, pointing out that proper tapping of the sector can develop the socio-economic state of any place.

Enunciating about the Constitution of India, advocate of Delhi High Court Adbur Rahman Mallick said that just as food festivals, programmes such as the 'National Integration Day', 'Run for Unity', 'Losar Festival', 'Deepotsav Festival' and the 'Tawang Festival' exemplify the cultural ethos and essence of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The webinar was managed and coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director, PIB Guwahati. While Pallav Chakravorty, Deputy Director, PIB welcomed the experts, along with students, eminent journalists and other senior officials from the Doordarshan Guwahati, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati, the All India Radio Guwahati were also present on the occasion, stated a release.