Experience India: Yuva Sangam Applications Open for Youth Until October 21

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat": Effort to Connect People from Diverse Regions

India is a diverse country. Not only does it have geographical diversity but also a rich variety of languages, cultures, foods, and clothing. Despite this diversity, Indians firmly believe in the concept of "Unity in Diversity” which emphasizes that, while there are many differences, people can come together and coexist harmoniously.

Youth from across the country have the opportunity to represent their states and Union Territories by participating in the "Yuva Sangam," an initiative of the Ministry of Education under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" program. During the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, 2015, in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced this idea to foster a sustained and structured cultural connection between people from different regions. To bring this vision to life, this program was launched on October 31, 2016.

The online registration for the fifth edition of this event is open until October 21. Interested candidates who are aged between 18 to 30, including NSS and NYKS volunteers, employed or self-employed individuals,  and off-campus youth, including those enrolled in online courses at various skilling institutions, can register through the Yuva Sangam portal before the deadline. This event offers students and young professionals an exciting opportunity for a transformative 5 to 7-day journey. Participants will experience India's diversity firsthand, understand cultural and social similarities and challenges, and develop inclusive solutions to address issues or seize opportunities in their professional or academic fields.

Through this tour, participants will immerse themselves in local heritage, geography, development landmarks, and recent achievements of their paired states. The program aims to provide multidimensional exposure in five key areas, referred to as the five 'P's: Paryatan (tourism), Parampara (traditions), Pragati (development), Paraspar Sampark (people-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (technology).

The initiative also supports the key themes of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by emphasizing experiential learning and providing firsthand knowledge of India’s rich diversity. It serves as an ongoing educational and cultural exchange, celebrating diversity at its core. Participants gain an immersive experience of various aspects of life, including natural landforms, development landmarks, engineering and architectural marvels, and recent achievements. They also have the chance to interact and engage with local youth in the host state or Union Territory.

For the fifth phase of Yuva Sangam, twenty prominent institutions from across India have been selected. During this phase, participants from these states and Union Territories, guided by the nodal higher education institutes, will visit their paired states and UTs.

Editor’s Note:

The Ministry of Education has opened applications for the fifth edition of the 'Yuva Sangam' program, encouraging youth from across the nation to participate. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with the rich diversity of India and fosters cultural exchange. With registration open until October 21, young individuals aged 18 to 30, including students and volunteers, are urged to seize this chance to represent their states and Union Territories. 

Skoobuzz extends heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Education for providing the younger generation with the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of India. These efforts will help bring youth closer to their roots.