Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with student delegates from Chhattisgarh at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on June 11, 2026, as part of the Yuva Sangam Phase VI programme. The Minister stated that Yuva Sangam enables young people to experience India beyond textbooks and classrooms, helping them understand the country's cultural diversity, development initiatives, and national priorities while strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Pradhan encouraged students to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through innovation, entrepreneurship, community participation, and social responsibility. He highlighted the role of youth in India's development and urged them to take advantage of opportunities created under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Minister emphasized the importance of experiential learning and cultural exchange in broadening perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.
Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Dr. Vineet Joshi, underscored the importance of experiential learning and cultural exchange in shaping young minds, noting that such journeys help participants develop adaptability, teamwork, and essential life skills beyond formal education. He emphasized that these exchanges strengthen national integration and deepen appreciation for India's rich diversity.
The delegation, led by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai, is being hosted by IIT Delhi from June 8 to June 13, 2026. During their stay, students visited prominent institutions, developmental projects, and landmarks across Delhi, gaining first-hand exposure to the nation's governance framework, cultural heritage, and urban development initiatives. The visits provided insights into digital governance, public service delivery, sustainable development, and the functioning of national institutions.
The Yuva Sangam programme provides immersive experiences across five pillars: tourism, traditions, development, technology, and people-to-people connect. Launched by the Department of Higher Education under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, Yuva Sangam Phase VI brings together youth aged between 18 and 30 years from 22 paired States and Union Territories. Student delegates expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Education for the opportunity to connect with diverse cultures.