The 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme was inaugurated today at Panjab University, Chandigarh, organized by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and hosted by the Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, as the Chief Guest, who formally inaugurated the week-long programme. Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Chandigarh Administration, and Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, attended as Guests of Honour.
The programme, scheduled from 2nd to 8th November, 2025, brings together 200 tribal youth from Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, along with 20 escort officers from CRPF, ITBP, and BSF. During their stay in Chandigarh, the tribal youth will explore various facets of the city’s development, digital governance, administrative functioning, educational institutions, tourism, culture, art, cuisine, and lifestyle.
They will also showcase and share insights into the culture, traditions, and development initiatives of their respective states. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri H. Rajesh Prasad highlighted the significance of education and skill development in empowering tribal youth and emphasized their vital role in nation-building.
He stated that “Empowerment of tribal youth through education, exposure, and skill development is the key to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.” He lauded the efforts of MY Bharat in creating a platform that connects young people from across the country and strengthens the spirit of unity and inclusivity envisioned under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.
The event began with a welcome address by Shri Vinay Kumar, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, Chandigarh, followed by Shri Paramjit Singh, State Director, MY Bharat, Punjab & Chandigarh, who outlined the objectives and activities planned for the week-long exchange. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sukhjinder Rishi, Director, Department of Youth Welfare, Panjab University.
Shri Saurabh Kumar Arora, PCS, Director (Sports), Chandigarh Administration, and other distinguished dignitaries and academicians were also present on the occasion. The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme is a remarkable initiative under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ framework, aimed at promoting mutual understanding, cultural integration, and national unity among the youth of India.