New Delhi: IIT Delhi hosted a delegation of 48 youth participants from Chhattisgarh under Yuva Sangam Phase VI, a flagship initiative of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. IIT Delhi was identified as the Nodal Higher Education Institution (HEI) for the Union Territory of Delhi, while IIT Bhilai served as the partner institution from the state of Chhattisgarh.

Yuva Sangam aims to strengthen people-to-people connect among youth across the country by providing immersive experience of various facets of life, developmental landmarks, recent achievements and cultural heritage of partner states and Union Territories.

The initiative at IIT Delhi was facilitated by the Office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives. During their visits, the youth participants receive multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas namely Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect) and Prodyogiki (Technology).

As part of the itinerary designed by IIT Delhi, the delegates were provided an immersive experience of the Union Territory of Delhi, often referred to as the "Mini India", where the diversity, culture and traditions of the entire nation can be witnessed within a single city. The delegates visited Rashtrapati Bhavan (Main Building), the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, the National Science Centre, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Akshardham and Delhi Haat. They also experienced Delhi's public transportation system through journeys on the Delhi Metro, gaining first-hand exposure to one of India's largest urban transit networks. During their visit to Lok Niwas, the delegates met Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, who encouraged the youth to embrace innovation, pursue entrepreneurship and not fear failures while striving to contribute to nation-building.

The delegates also had the opportunity to participate in an interaction presided over by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of Education, Government of India. During the interaction, the youth delegates shared their experiences under Yuva Sangam and discussed various aspects of the National Education Policy, youth aspirations and the importance of national integration through educational exchange programmes.

The programme concluded with a special closing ceremony at the office of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi, providing the delegates with a deeper understanding of governance, public administration and developmental initiatives undertaken in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The technology and innovation component of the programme included a visit to the Research and Innovation Park at IIT Delhi, where the delegates interacted with incubated startup founders and business leaders. The visit provided valuable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation and the role of academic institutions in fostering technology-driven solutions for societal challenges.

The delegates also participated in a dedicated sports session at IIT Delhi. Another memorable highlight was their interaction with Tejaswin Shankar, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallist, who shared his experiences and inspired the youth through his journey of dedication, perseverance and excellence.

In addition to tourism and technology exposure, the programme incorporated activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness, cultural understanding and national unity. The delegates participated in a tree plantation activity under "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0". A special session on Indian Languages was also organised to highlight the role of linguistic diversity in strengthening national unity and fostering mutual understanding among citizens.

Through interactions, educational visits, cultural engagements and exposure to governance and innovation ecosystems, the initiative enabled the youth delegates to develop a deeper appreciation of India's diversity and shared heritage.

“Yuva Sangam is not merely an exchange programme; it is a journey of our youth towards understanding and experiencing the true spirit of India. By fostering connections across regions, cultures, languages, and traditions, the initiative strengthens national unity and empowers young citizens to become ambassadors of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. It is an important step towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” said Prof. Shilpi Sharma, Faculty In-charge Yuva Sangam Phase VI, IIT Delhi and Associate Dean, Academics (Outreach & New Initiatives), IIT Delhi.

The delegation from Chhattisgarh was led by Prof. Krishna Murari, Nodal Officer, IIT Bhilai, while the programme at IIT Delhi was coordinated by Sh. Saksham Saraswat (Nodal Officer).

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