Patna: Around 50 young people from various districts of Bihar have set off on an educational and cultural exchange visit to Punjab under Phase 6 of the Yuva Sangam programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Education under the Centre’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign.
The week-long visit, scheduled from June 7 to June 13, is being coordinated by IIT Patna, the nodal institution for the programme in Bihar.
A flag-off ceremony was held at the IIT Patna campus on Saturday, where Bihar’s Sugarcane Industry Minister, Sanjay Kumar, attended as the chief guest.
The delegation was formally flagged off by Minister Sanjay Kumar along with IIT Patna Director Prof. T. N. Singh, Dean (Administration) Prof. A. K. Thakur and Yuva Sangam Nodal Officer Dr. Satendra Kumar.
‘Youth Are Ambassadors Of Bihar’
Addressing participants at a function held in the Senate Hall of IIT Patna, Minister Sanjay Kumar described the programme as more than just a journey, calling it an opportunity to learn about and experience India’s diversity firsthand.
He said the young participants were not only representing their families and districts but also serving as ambassadors of Bihar.
The minister noted that the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to strengthen cultural, educational and people-to-people ties among the youth of different states and Union Territories.
He also praised IIT Patna’s campus environment and commended the institute’s efforts towards the holistic development of young people.
Strengthening Ties Between Bihar And Punjab
Earlier, Prof. T. N. Singh welcomed the chief guest and presented him with a bouquet and memento.
In his address, the IIT Patna director highlighted the historical, cultural and social connections between Bihar and Punjab, saying the exchange programme would deepen mutual understanding between the two states.
He said participants would gain first-hand exposure to Punjab’s cultural heritage, agricultural practices, industrial development and local traditions.
According to Singh, such interactions play an important role in promoting national integration and fostering appreciation of India’s diversity among young citizens.
Week-Long Cultural Exchange
The programme is designed to provide participants with opportunities to engage with educational institutions, cultural sites, industries and local communities in the host state.
Officials said the visit would enable the Bihar delegation to learn about Punjab’s achievements in agriculture, manufacturing and social development while sharing insights into Bihar’s own cultural and historical heritage.
The event was attended by Dr. Anoop Keshri, Dr. Rishav Singh, Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, along with faculty members, officers and staff of IIT Patna.
Participants expressed enthusiasm ahead of the week-long exchange, describing it as a unique opportunity to travel, learn and build connections with young people from another part of the country.
The Yuva Sangam programme forms part of the Centre’s broader effort to encourage cultural exchange and strengthen bonds between states through direct interaction among young citizens.
