''Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat'' scheme can be unifying force, says PM Modi

PM Modi on Sunday address the nation in his 14th `Mann Ki Baat` radio show.

New Delhi: Proposing to turn the `Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat` idea into a scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it could be a "binding force to unite every individual in this country" and sought suggestions from the people to make it a success.

"I spoke about `Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat` on Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patel`s birth anniversary. I want to shape `Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat` into a scheme. My government is working on it and has sought suggestions from the people. What will be the structure of the programme? How to increase people`s participation? I had asked for suggestions on all these," Modi said in his 14th `Mann Ki Baat` radio address to the nation.

"I was told (that) a lot of suggestions were coming. I would expect more suggestions. I want this to be a very specific scheme. I urge you to use your creative mind and send more suggestions. I was told that even certificates and prizes will be given to those who give suggestions. How to make `Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat` scheme a binding force to unite every individual in this country. How can the government, civil society and society at large can play a role in this scheme? I hope your suggestions will help in making this scheme a success," he added.

Speaking at the `Run for Unity` event at the Rajpath in New Delhi on October 31 to commemorate Sardar Patel`s 140th birth anniiversary, Modi outlined the new initiative of `Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat` (one India, best India), under which a state of India would choose another state every year to promote its culture and language.