National Balrang Showcases ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshth Bharat’: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the annual ’Rashtriya Balrang’ event in Bhopal effectively fulfils Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’. Bhopal’s Rashtriya Balrang has become a reflection of national unity. Such programs spark curiosity among children about other states’ cultures, fostering greater attachment to the nation’s heritage. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the ‘Rashtriya Balrang Samaroh’ on Friday evening at the National Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. He presented trophies to the winning states in the folk dance competition.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Lord Shri Krishna visited Madhya Pradesh about 5,000 years ago. Children will gain knowledge of ancient Indian arts through his 64 kalas. It is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh that Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain was Lord Krishna’s education site. He stated that ‘Rashtriya Balrang’ transforms the venue into a mini India, offering a chance to take pride in the country’s cultural heritage. Each state showcased its unique dance style on the Balrang stage, with folk dances reflecting regional cultures. When children from various states gather, they eagerly learn about each other’s regions, boosting curiosity. The Chief Minister urged teachers to provide more information on India’s diversity and congratulated the School Education Department for the excellent organisation.

School Education Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh welcomed children from across states. He remarked that few countries like India exhibit such diverse cultures in harmony. Cultural changes occur every 50-75 km in India. He highlighted Kashmir as the nation’s crown jewel and mentioned Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa, Bundelkhand and Bagheli cultures. Minister Shri Singh praised Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s special affection for children, stating his consistent participation in school events despite a busy schedule.

Winners of Rashtriya Balrang

At the National Balrang held in Bhopal, the first prize was awarded to Jharkhand’s Chhau folk dance. This is the state dance of Jharkhand, known for its remarkable coordination of distinctive masks. The second prize went to Haryana’s Ghoomar folk dance, which reflects social life, love, festivals, and local folklore. The third prize was awarded to Assam’s Bihu folk dance, which represents the vibrant spirit of Assam and is prominently performed to celebrate the arrival of spring. Consolation prizes were given to Madhya Pradesh’s Ahir dance, Himachal Pradesh’s Nati folk dance, and the third consolation prize went to Chandigarh’s Bhangra, Luddi, and Jhoomar dances.

The festival showcased India’s cultural diversity through numerous folk dances and songs from 14 states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and 5 Union Territories—Puducherry, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep with over 400 school students performing.

Director of ‘Rashtriya Mavav Sngrahalay’, Shri Amitabh Pandey, Bhopal Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Public Education Commissioner Smt. Shilpa Gupta, art enthusiasts and school children have attended the event.