• Source:JND
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The National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, was celebrated across the country to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of veteran freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a floral tribute at the Statue of Unity in the morning, followed by taking an oath along with thousands of countrymen. 

"I solemnly swear that I will dedicate myself to the preservation of the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. I will also make every effort to spread this message among my countrymen. I take this oath in the spirit of my country's unity, which was made possible by the foresight and hard work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also resolve to do my part to ensure the internal security of my country," he recited.

Earlier, during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' (EBSB) for sustained and structured connectivity between people of different regions of the country for an enhanced understanding and bonding between them. 

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What Is The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat (EBSB) Scheme?

The EBSB initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2015, during the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. The initiative promotes the idea of “unity in diversity” by pairing different States and Union Territories to strengthen emotional bonds through linguistic, cultural, and educational exchanges. 

These activities extend the message of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas beyond a single day, transforming it into a sustained movement for national integration.

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Core Objectives Of The Scheme:

  • Strengthen emotional bonds among citizens

  • Foster national integration through structured inter-state engagements

  • Showcase and appreciate India’s diverse cultures

  • Build lasting partnerships

  • Encourage mutual learning and sharing of best practices across regions

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Various Initiatives Under The EBSB Scheme:

  • Bhasha Sangam App- For learning 100+ sentences of everyday use in 22 official Indian languages. Additionally, cultural showcases and food festivals are organised by the governmental agencies to show India’s vast diversity.

  • Student Exchange Programmes- ‘Yuva Sangam’ and ‘EBSB Clubs’ in schools and universities facilitate youth interaction between paired States, fostering mutual understanding.

  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam- Celebrates the cultural and spiritual bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, promoting unity through the exchange of art, language, and traditions.

  • Digital Outreach Campaigns- Initiatives like My Bharat Digital Portal and EBSB Quiz Competitions engage citizens online to promote unity, patriotism, and knowledge of India’s cultural diversity.

  • EBSB Portal: The portal serves as a digital extension of the vision behind the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to document and promote initiatives that strengthen national integration. It hosts reports of inter-state cultural exchanges, youth activities, and campaigns conducted by various ministries under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat banner, an initiative launched on Ekta Diwas itself. 

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