Andhra Pradesh Youth Delegation Cultural Exchange Programme
A delegation from Andhra Pradesh, led by the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, visited Maharashtra from June 5-9, 2026, as part of the Yuva Sangam Phase-VI programme under the Ministry of Education's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The five-day programme was hosted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, with the objective of promoting cultural exchange, experiential learning, and national integration among youth from different regions.
On June 8, 2026, the delegation met with Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, where he shared insights on leadership, nation-building, and national integration, emphasizing the importance of understanding India's diverse cultural landscape.
The programme included structured activities around specific themes: On June 5, focused on Paryatan (Tourism), Pragati (Development), and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect), the delegation visited the historic Khandoba Mandir at Jejuri and Adachiwadi model village, where they interacted with the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat members, and villagers to learn about grassroots governance and rural development initiatives.
On June 6, activities centered on Paryavaran (Environment) and Parampara (Traditions), including a biodiversity walk and tree plantation drive at IISER Pune campus, followed by visits to Shaniwar Wada and a heritage walk through Pune's historic areas. The delegation also attended a language session conducted by Prof. Sonal Kulkarni Joshi of Deccan College on Maharashtra's linguistic heritage.
The programme featured interactions with State Minister of Higher and Technical Education Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil and State Minister of Urban Development Smt. Madhuri Tai Misal, who shared perspectives on urban development and encouraged cultural appreciation. The visit concluded with a traditional Maharashtrian dinner and valedictory session on June 9, 2026.