December 2, 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee inaugurated the fifth edition of Yuva Sangam, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program. This nationwide initiative is designed to promote cross-cultural exchange, leadership, and national integration among the youth of India. Yuva Sangam – V witnessed the participation of 45 student delegates from Jharkhand, supported by faculty coordinators from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. IIT Roorkee extended a warm welcome to 45 student delegates from Jharkhand and faculty coordinators from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, celebrating their arrival as part of the transformative Yuva Sangam initiative.
The event commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Prof. U.P. Singh, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and IIT Roorkee’s Kulgeet, setting a tone of harmony and celebration. Prof. M.V. Sunil Krishna, the Nodal Officer for Yuva Sangam – V, presented a comprehensive report on the program’s objectives and planned activities, emphasizing the transformative potential of such cultural engagements.
Highlighting the program’s importance, Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, Dean of Students’ Welfare, remarked, “Yuva Sangam is a remarkable opportunity for the youth to experience and appreciate India’s cultural diversity while forging bonds of unity. Such initiatives instil mutual respect and inspire students to work collectively towards the nation’s progress.”
In his inaugural address, Prof. U.P. Singh, the Chief Guest, commended the Ministry of Education for spearheading such initiatives. He stated, “Yuva Sangam reflects the true essence of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Connecting youth across states nurtures collaboration, innovation, and a deeper appreciation for our country’s cultural richness.”
The participants will explore Uttarakhand’s cultural and natural heritage through visits to destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Lansdowne, and Dehradun. Visiting a local village to interact with women’s self-help groups will offer students valuable insights into grassroots development and rural livelihoods. Additionally, the delegation from Jharkhand will present vibrant cultural performances, highlighting their state’s rich traditions. The inauguration concluded with a group photograph and a vote of thanks, inspiring participants to embrace and celebrate India’s unity in diversity.
The Yuva Sangam – V program offers an enriching journey for participants, starting with an industrial visit to Bhagwanpur and SIDCUL, followed by cultural exploration in Haridwar and Rishikesh. A visit to a local village will provide insights into grassroots development and interactions with women’s self-help groups. The itinerary also includes trips to iconic locations such as Lansdowne, Kotdwar, and Dehradun, featuring landmarks like Sidhbali Temple, Tarkeshwar Dham Mandir etc. Each activity blends cultural, educational, and leadership experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of Uttarakhand’s heritage.
The Yuva Sangam – V program, hosted by IIT Roorkee under the Ministry of Education’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, exemplifies the transformative impact of cultural exchange. The program strengthens the threads of national integration and unity by bridging states and enabling youth to engage with diverse traditions and communities. Such initiatives inspire participants to embrace India’s rich diversity, fostering a shared vision for the nation’s future while nurturing leadership and collaborative skills among its young minds. IIT Roorkee remains committed to supporting and enhancing such endeavours, reinforcing its role in shaping an inclusive and interconnected India.
Ministry of Education’s Efforts
The Ministry of Education’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative has been pivotal in bridging cultural gaps and strengthening bonds between states. Programs like Yuva Sangam promote inter-state collaboration and enable young minds to contribute meaningfully to national integration efforts. IIT Roorkee is proud to be a part of this transformative endeavour.