Raipur: MoU has been signed between Chhattisgarh Culture Department and Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh Government under the scheme “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat”. Under this agreement, both the states will cooperate to strengthen the spirit of Indian unity, showcase the rich cultural heritage, share innovations and experiences. This mutual agreement will usher in a new phase of cultural relations between Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which will benefit the artists of both the states. Cultural artists from both the states will perform in each other’s states on national festivals including the Foundation Day of both the states as well as on other important occasions. Artists and cultural workers of both the states will benefit from mutual exchange in the field of diverse cultural genres. The relations established between the two states since ancient times will deepen.
On behalf of Uttar Pradesh Government, Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay were present in the program organized on this occasion. Deputy Director Dr. PC Parakh was present on behalf of Chhattisgarh Government Culture Department.
It is believed that Chhattisgarh was the maternal home of Kaushalya, the queen of Ayodhya during the Ramayana period and the mother of Shri Ram. Shri Ram spent most of his exile in this area. Here the belief of Mother Kaushalya’s birthplace being Chandkhuri, Lavkush’s birthplace being Turturia and Shabari’s Ashram being Shivrinarayan is still alive among the people.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative on 31 October 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Through this innovative measure, knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States and Union Territories will lead to better understanding and engagement among the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.