An ‘Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat’ National Unity and Cultural Felicitation Ceremony took place at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, Jammu, on February 15, 2026.
Bharat Bharati Organisation organised the programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Navchetna Swabhiman Charitable Foundation.
The organisers dedicated the event to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, revered as the ‘Iron Man of India’.
The ceremony brought together scholars, public representatives, social reformers, artists and community leaders from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Participants celebrated India’s pluralistic heritage and reaffirmed the principle of unity in diversity.
Dr Rizwan Kadri attended as the Chief Guest Prof (Dr) Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU, joined as the Guest of Honour.
Mr Vinay Patrale and Mr Jagannath Kunjbihari Swain represented Bharat Bharati’s national leadership. Their presence lent distinction to the gathering.
Dr Kadri addressed the audience and outlined Patel’s decisive leadership in integrating over 562 princely states into the Indian Union.
He stated that Patel’s resolve preserved sovereignty and countered divisive tendencies. He urged citizens to uphold national cohesion.
Prof Kumar encouraged students to engage deeply with India’s history and civilisational legacy.
He emphasised that awareness of past sacrifices fosters responsible citizenship and intellectual confidence.
The programme featured cultural performances reflecting India’s diverse artistic traditions.
Organisers honoured individuals and institutions for contributions to education, law, social service, arts, animal welfare and community development.
Awardees included Dr Anisha Tiwari, Mrs Anju Bansal, Er Ashok Singh, Advocate Ramansh Billawria, Parkash Chand Ahirwar, Gaudham Keeriyan (Gaudham Sewa Samiti),Rajinder Parshad Kakkar, Dr Kuldeep Raina and Prof M A Wani.
Vijaya Gupta led the organising committee, supported by a dedicated core team from Bharat Bharati Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Irfan Ahmed, In-Charge North India, administered a civic oath. He urged citizens to conserve resources, obey traffic laws, maintain cleanliness and respect parents and teachers.
Leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening national integration and advancing a united, progressive India.
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