Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Event Celebration at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya English Medium School

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative was celebrated with great enthusiasm and creativity at our school. This event aimed to promote cultural diversity and foster a spirit of unity among different states of India. The theme of the event focused on showcasing the vibrant culture of Uttar Pradesh (UP), which is known for its rich traditions, festivals, food, and history.

The event began with an insightful session where children were introduced to the traditional attire of Uttar Pradesh. The students learnt about the distinctive clothes worn by people from different regions of the state. The presentation highlighted the traditional wear for both men and women, such as the chikan work saris and kurtas for women, and kurta-pajamas for men. This enriched the students’ understanding of the rich cultural heritage and customs of Uttar Pradesh.

To further enhance their knowledge, a captivating video was shown, narrating the fascinating history of Uttar Pradesh. The video took the students through a visual journey, exploring the state’s rich historical significance, architectural marvels, and cultural landmarks. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the cultural evolution of cities like Lucknow and Varanasi, the video captured the essence of Uttar Pradesh’s heritage.

To make the event engaging for the students, a series of interactive activities were organized, with each class contributing their unique perspective to the theme:

Class 1: The students of Standard 1 were asked to stick pictures of popular food items from UP. This allowed the little ones to explore the diverse and delicious culinary delights of the state. The activity not only sparked their curiosity about the regional cuisine but also helped them appreciate the importance of food as a cultural identifier.

Class 2: The students were asked to stick pictures of festivals celebrated in UP. This helped them learn about the state’s vibrant festival calendar, which includes grand celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sankranti. The children were delighted to see the colorful depictions of these festivals and understood the significance of these celebrations in fostering unity and joy.

Class 3: For Standard 3, the task was to stick pictures of popular tourist places in Uttar Pradesh. Students were introduced to the state’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, the historical city of Varanasi, and the spiritual town of Mathura. This activity gave them an insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the state, making them more aware of the importance of preserving these sites.

Class 4: Students in Standard 4 focused on the grand spectacle of the Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering held in Uttar Pradesh. They stuck pictures of the event and learned about the significance of the Kumbh Mela in Hindu tradition. The students explored the cultural, spiritual, and social importance of this extraordinary event, which draws millions of devotees from across the world.

Each class displayed their work, and the event turned out to be an incredible learning experience for everyone. The students not only enhanced their knowledge of Uttar Pradesh’s rich culture but also celebrated the essence of unity in diversity, which is the cornerstone of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat movement.

The event concluded with an exciting quiz competition, which tested the students’ knowledge about the traditions, history, and culture of Uttar Pradesh. The quiz was not only fun but also educational, encouraging students to think critically about what they had learned. It was a lively and competitive atmosphere, with students eagerly answering questions and demonstrating their newfound knowledge.

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat event was a great success in fostering a sense of unity and pride in India’s diverse culture, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding among the students.  It was a delightful and enriching experience for both the students and teachers.

Anupama Shrivastava (Class tr of 4/D)