New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava' cultural festival at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, news agency ANI reported.


PM Modi played the drums to initiate the festival.


According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he would also address a gathering on the occasion.






"In line with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', 'Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava' cultural festival is being organised to celebrate Karnataka's culture, traditions and history," the PMO release said.


The 'Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava festival, being held under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', will allow hundreds of artists to showcase the cultural heritage of Karnataka through dance, music, drama and poetry, PMO added.


It is to be noted that the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2015, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.


The scheme was launched to mark the cultural vibrancy of India and at the same time establishing a strong mechanism to inculcate nationalism and cultural awareness among the people of the country.


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Notably, the primary aim of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ scheme is to promote the Indian ideology of “Unity in Diversity” of the country. The objective is to build the interest of people in their neighboring states and UTs, and also encourages them to promote their culture.


The scheme also aims to foster a sense of common identity among the people of the country, its rich heritage, culture, customs, and various traditions of the states.