New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) Joining in the Ugadi Milan celebrations in the capital today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that diversity of India is its identity as well as its strength. The event was hosted by Information and Broadcasting minister, M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence. The Prime Minister while greeting the nation on the New Year, said ,'the festivals are a reflection of the changing facets of Nature and linked to our culture and traditions.' Citing the Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat initiative of the Government, Mr Modi said,' this would enable the coming generations to understand the diversity of different states and their cultures. This would strengthen the feeling of oneness and unity amongst all Indians.' He called upon the States to collaborate with each other thereby promoting uniqueness of their respective cultures and traditions in different regions. Regarding the 'Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat' initiative, the Prime Minister gave the example of the MoU signed between Haryana and Telangana, which provided an opportunity for the two states to collaborate in the areas of Film festivals, Language, Cuisines, and Exchange between sportspersons, policy makers and legislators. While appreciating the cultural performance of 'Jatayu Moksham', the Prime Minister said, 'the struggle of Jatayu was an inspiration for all of us to fight terrorism courageously which currently posed a huge challenge to the entire humanity today.' Welcoming the guests on the occasion, Mr Naidu said,'Ugadi was the beginning of New Year as per Indian calendar. It is celebrated all across India on different days in the month. Ugadi Pachhadi, a combination of six different tastes (shat ruchi) consisting of sweet, sour, spicy or pungent, salty, astringent and bitter symbolized various emotions of happiness, disgust, anger, fear, surprise and sadness. Indian Culture was unique and most civilized as there was science in every festival and every tradition.' Mr Naidu mentioned that the onset of the New Year would bring prosperity and growth to the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The function was attended by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Delhi LG Anil Baijal, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, Science and Technology minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Sports Minister Vijay Goel, senior judges of the Supreme Court, High Court and senior officials from the ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Urban Development. UNI SY SHK 1920