The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently inaugurated the two-day event ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat & Kala Utsav 2026’, emphasising the initiative’s aim to embody India’s “unity in diversity.” Vice Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi noted this programme’s key role across educational institutions, including schools and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The primary goal of the initiative is to foster understanding, respect, and affection for various cultures, languages, and arts through collaborations among schools from different regions.

Chaturvedi’s remarks were delivered as he addressed the audience as the chief guest at the event, taking place in the Omkar Nath Thakur Auditorium, located on the BHU campus. The programme, organised by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, attracted participation from students and staff across several divisions, including Agra, Jabalpur, Lucknow, Ranchi, and Varanasi.

Cultural Celebrations and Competitions

The event commenced with a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ and included a series of cultural performances. Students showcased an array of traditional folk dances from regions such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Odisha, alongside classical performances like Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Participants engaged in various competitions designed to highlight the rich tapestry of India’s folk arts, cultures, and lifestyles throughout the two days.

Registrar Rajan Srivastava likened India’s vast diversity to a rainbow and an assortment of flowers, emphasising that the nation is a unique blend of cultures, geography, arts, literature, music, and dance. His comments reinforced the significance of such initiatives in fostering national unity.

Dr. Sukriti Raiwani, serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan in the Varanasi Division, remarked that the event serves as more than just a platform for competitions. It is an opportunity to celebrate Indian culture, traditions, and the diverse lifestyles present across the country.

Engagement and Outreach in Education

A.K. Singh, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya on the BHU Campus, welcomed attendees, asserting that the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and Kala Utsav’ functions as a significant occasion for individuals to comprehend and experience the essence of India’s unity in diversity and cultural richness.

Approximately 260 students are competing at the zonal level during this event, with selected participants eligible to proceed to national competitions, which will also be organised by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This selection process allows for a broader engagement with India’s educational and cultural initiatives.

Concluding the event, Vijay Kumar Solanki, Assistant Commissioner of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for the Varanasi Division, delivered the vote of thanks. The gathering also included prominent faculty members like Dr. Sangeeta Pandit from the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Rajesh Shah, Dean of the Instrumental Music Department, and Dr. Uttama Dixit, Dean of the Visual Arts Department, highlighting the event’s academic backing and cultural importance.

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