Chandigarh: The Punjab School Education Department has mandated the organization of special cultural activities in schools across the state throughout August, as part of the Central Government’s “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (EBSB) initiative. The directive aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of India’s diverse cultural heritage among students.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab, issued formal instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) for both secondary and primary education. These activities are designed to allow students to explore and learn about the cultural landscape of Punjab’s designated partner state or Union Territory under the EBSB programme.
The programme outlines a structured approach to cultural immersion. Under the category of indigenous sports, students are expected to learn and practice traditional sports that are native to the paired state or Union Territory. This component aims to revive and promote lesser-known indigenous games, connecting students with their regional sporting legacies.
Another key element is the toy-making segment. Students will be guided in crafting traditional handmade toys characteristic of the paired region. This activity is intended to enhance creativity and manual dexterity while familiarizing them with the folk art and craft traditions of another part of the country. Following these activities, students are required to compile collaborative class reports detailing their learning experiences and insights gained.
To ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of these directives, Nodal Officers have been appointed in each district. These officers are tasked with supervising the execution of the cultural activities within their respective school clusters and ensuring that all objectives are met. The schools are obligated to submit comprehensive reports on the activities conducted. These reports must include a selection of 10 to 12 photographs and video clips, submitted via the official email address by August 25, 2026, adhering to a prescribed format.
Upon consolidation at the district level, these reports will be further compiled and forwarded to the Government of India within the specified deadlines. The “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative, launched by the Government of India, seeks to enhance engagement between people of different regions of the country and promote the spirit of federalism. It is envisioned as a platform to showcase the rich diversity of the nation and to create an environment where each state learns about the culture, traditions, and practices of others, thereby strengthening the bonds of unity and understanding across India.
The EBSB programme pairs up states and Union Territories in a manner that facilitates cultural exchange. For instance, Punjab has been paired with other states and UTs, and the cultural activities will reflect the specific pairings designated by the central government. This cross-cultural learning is expected to broaden students’ perspectives, encourage inter-state appreciation, and contribute to a more cohesive national identity. The emphasis on tangible activities like sports and toy making ensures an engaging and hands-on learning experience for the students, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to practical engagement with cultural elements.
The initiative underscores the importance of cultural education in the holistic development of students. By participating in these activities, students are not only learning about another state’s culture but are also developing essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. The submission of detailed reports and visual documentation ensures accountability and provides a valuable record of the students’ engagement and learning outcomes, contributing to the larger goal of national integration through cultural understanding.
The Chenab Times News Desk