ZCCs identify the different performing/folk art forms in their areas and select one or two talented
artists in each of the fields.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat was announced in 2015 on the occasion of the 140th Birth
Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The broad objectives of the initiative are:- (i) to
celebrate the unity in diversity of our nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of
traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our country; (ii) to promote the
spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all states and
union territories through a year-long planned engagement between states; (iii) to showcase the
rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either state for enabling people to understand
and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a sense of common identity; (iv) to
establish long-term engagements; (v) to create an environment which promotes learning between
States by sharing best practices and experiences.
The aim of Buddhist Tibetan Institutions (BTI) is to help preserve, promote and propagate
the intangible of Buddhist/Tibetan/Himalayan cultural heritage of the country.
Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
The objective of the scheme is to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the
Himalayas. The scheme was revised in 2011. As per the revised scheme the grant shall be
provided for undertaking the activities - (i) study and research on cultural heritage,(ii)
preservation of old manuscripts, literature, art & crafts and documentation of cultural
activities/events like music, dance, etc., (iii) dissemination through audio-visual programmes of
art and culture and (iv) training in traditional and folk art – in the states falling under the
Himalayan Region i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and
Arunachal Pradesh. The colleges and universities are also eligible to apply. The quantum of
funding has been increased from ₹ 5.00 lakh to ₹ 10.00 lakh per year for an organization.
Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Organization
The objective of the scheme to give financial assistance to the voluntary Buddhist/Tibetan
organizations including monasteries engaged in the propagation and scientific development of
Buddhist/Tibetan culture and tradition and research in related fields. The scheme was revised in
2011. In the revised scheme new activities like IT upgradation, transport facilities, construction
of classrooms, school buildings and training centres, audio-visual recording/documentation of
traditional materials have also been included.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh Ladakh formerly known as School of
Buddhist Philosophy was established at the behest of late Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1959. The
Institute has obtained the Status of Deemed University in January, 2016.
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
The Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM) was established in 1951 in Nalanda, Bihar by the
Government of Bihar. The NNM is an institution of post graduate studies and research in Pali
and Buddhism. At present, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is an autonomous institute under the