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

GUWAHATI: 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' celebrates 'Unity in Diversity' via cultural and emotional connect among the people, emphasised experts in a webinar organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati here on Monday. A galaxy of experts from industry, the socio-economic cultural fraternity, and the government sector along with academicians deliberated on the topic from varied perspectives.

Prof. KG Suresh, Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication said that North East has various cultural and traditional festivals, which integrates the India's strength in culture with the rest of the country. Stressing that 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' celebrates 'Unity in Diversity' among the people, he specifically referred to Assam and Rajasthan — the two States grouped together in 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Prof. Suresh said that a structured engagement with one another in the arena of literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism and hospitality provides vista of opportunities to learn about the country.

Noted danseuse and dance educationist from Kolkata, Alakananda Roy said that the youth play a pivotal role in this endeavour. She said that folk dances of Assam includng Bihu and Bagurumba, Xatriya, Bhortal and Ojapali have vibrancies and vivacity which reflect the culture and tradition of the place. Likewise, folk dances in Rajasthan such as Ghoomar, Kathputli and Kalbelia (Sapera) dance depict the culture of the people of that State. These aspects generate a vista of opportunity for the young generation in the spheres of education, dance and tourism, she pointed out.

Prempal Sharma reminisced his journey as a former bureaucrat and recipient of the 'Indira Gandhi Puraskar' from former President Pranab Mukherjee. He said that the webinar on 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' exemplifies the importance of learning, appreciating the famous personalities of India, culture and diversity of people. He also lauded the efforts of PIB, Guwahati in organizing such webinars.

Rahul Bhattacharya said that Assam and Rajasthan are connected in the varied spheres of education and culture. He also underlined the need to carry forward such links in social, tourism, sports, and youth-related activities to make the ties stronger between Assam and Rajasthan.

Sunil Kalai, HoD, Department of Journalism and Communication, Tripura University (Central University), Suryamaninagar, Tripura and Prof. Krishan Rai, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur said that students are the ambassadors of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The students play a catalytic role in creating awareness about the socio-economic, tourism entrepreneurial opportunities, industry, cultural and adventure tourism, hospitality among people.

Rajeev Kumar Shukla, former Additional Director General (Programme), All India Radio (AIR) said that AIR has always played a vital role in connecting the talents of youth, including music and cultural dramas among others. He further said that this move has generated interaction in the social media and the "radio listeners" across the world. Shukla said that Prasar Bharati, Doordarshan and AIR are playing a vital role as communication medium in this initiative of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

He pointed out that interaction among people at the cultural level generates appreciation for each other's culture. Sarod player Sohom Chattopadhyay and noted performer Debasis Dhara from Purbo Bardhamaan also said that the initiative of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' demonstrates the latent potential of performers and provides an opportunity for appreciation and to learn about culture and diversity from others.

Dwelling on the Constitution of India, Adbur Rahman Mallick, Advocate, Delhi High Court said that just as food festivals, programmes like the 'National Integration Day', 'Run for Unity', 'Hornbill Festival', 'Deepotsav Festival' and the 'Tawang Festival' exemplify the cultural ethos and essence of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The webinar was coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director, PIB Guwahati. Pallav Chakravorty, Deputy Director, PIB welcomed the distinguished gathering on the occasion, stated a release.

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