In a beaming revelry of India’s unity in diversity, a rousing contingent of 44 students from Bihar has reached Hubli, Karnataka, as part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme. Under the aegis of the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), the students represent all aspects of cultural exchange and national integration.

This initiative, hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad (IIT Dharwad), aims to nourish deeper connections and understanding among students from different states through shared experiences and cultural interaction.

A Journey to Remember

The journey of the students from Bihar to Karnataka has both been long and exhilarating. Despite travel, their enthusiasm and energy remain undeterred. And so, their arrival in Hubli marks the beginning of an enriching chapter, full of learning, exploration, and the forging of lifelong memories.

The students are happy to be a part of this cultural exchange program. They think it an opportunity to embrace the beauty of diversity and develop a greater sense of national pride,” shared a representative from CUSB.

Celebrating Diversity Through Cultural Exchange

The EBSB programme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, aimed at mutual understanding and respect among the people of different states. Bihar and Karnataka, brought under this initiative, provide students with an opportunity to experience each other’s rich traditions, language, cuisine, and art forms.

At IIT Dharwad, the students will participate in a series of activities, including workshops, cultural performances, and interactive sessions that come together to highlight the unique aspects of Karnataka’s heritage. Similarly, the students will showcase the cultural vibrancy of Bihar while sharing folk songs, dances, and traditional practices with their hosts.

“This exchange is not just about cultural learning but also building bridges of friendship and understanding across regions,” said a spokesperson from IIT Dharwad.

Building Lasting Relationships

The delegation is now settling in at Hubli, with excitement building up for what is in store. Beyond the planned events, the students are looking forward to experiencing all that Karnataka has to offer, from its scenic landscapes to its history and cuisine.

Such interactions bring individuals together, creating a bond among students that they may never have otherwise. These also expand students’ horizons: “It is not about learning from books but experiencing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat firsthand,” said one of the students participating in the programme.

These students are a living example of India’s strength—its strength in unity in diversity. Through interactions with each other, they not only learn about one another’s culture but strengthen the bond of togetherness that defines the nation.

The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing these connections, thereby creating a generation of youth who value inclusivity and cultural harmony.

That, having set out on this journey of transformation, they will return with fond memories, friendship for life, and respect for the incredible diversity of India. Indeed, their experience serves as a reminder that despite all the visible differences, the spirit of oneness ties the country together.