‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Brings Everyone Together: Jishnu Dev Varma
HYDERABAD, DECEMBER 16, 2024: Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a three-day photo exhibition on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ organized by the Central Bureau of Communication, Hyderabad, as part of its Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme (ICOP). The event took place at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad on Monday.
In his address to the gathering, Mr Jishnu Dev Varma highlighted that the idea of cultural confluence, which pairs one state with another, was first envisioned by the Prime Minister in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sardar Patel played a crucial role in uniting all the princely states and fostering national unity in India. He described this pairing of states as a brilliant idea, noting that the exhibition allowed attendees to discover many aspects of Indian culture that were previously unknown to them.
India is a unique civilization rich in diversity, which enhances our nation’s vibrancy. This diversity contributes to our various dance forms, music, art, and festivals, while the underlying unity provides strength to progress collectively.
Mr Dev Varma stated that India celebrates the concept of Dharma, which encompasses right thinking, right deeds, and right actions. He emphasized that every culture reflects this principle of Dharma. He also noted that modern festivals often embody this unity, although pairing every state may be challenging. For example, the Bathukamma festival, celebrated in Telangana, may similarly resonate in Haryana, reflecting shared thought processes even if the expressions differ.
He praised the state-pairing initiative as a unique concept, especially beneficial for children and adults alike. While diversity in nature, culture, and cuisine is often celebrated, the exhibition encourages deeper exploration into the similarities between states, such as Haryana and Telangana. It highlights archaeological sites and cultural practices that reveal these connections.
Although no two states are identical, the core values of India—right thought, right action, and right paths—are consistently represented across its diverse cultures, songs, and festivals. The Governor described the exhibition as an eye-opener and quoted from the Rigveda: “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti,” meaning “Truth is one; the wise describe it in various ways.”
Mr Ashish Goyal, IIS, Additional Director General of the National Museum in New Delhi and Director of the Salar Jung Museum, in his inaugural address, said, Today’s exhibition aims to bring the culture of Haryana closer to the people of Telangana. The Salar Jung Museum attracts the highest number of visitors among all museums in the country, with nearly one million visitors each year. To enhance the visitor experience and make it more comfortable and engaging, three self-ticketing kiosks have been installed and will be inaugurated by the Honourable Governor today.
Ashish Goyal along with Shruti Patil, Additional Director General of PIB and CBC, accompanied the Governor through the exhibition. The event showcases the art, culture, cuisine, and various aspects of Telangana and Haryana, the two states paired under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme by the Government of India. This initiative aims to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between the people of different states and Union Territories. With a rich tapestry woven from diverse linguistic, cultural, and religious threads, India embodies a composite national identity.
To enhance the visitor experience and make it more comfortable and engaging, three self-ticketing kiosks have been installed at Salar Jung Museum and inaugurated by the Governor on Monday.
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