Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with student delegates from Chhattisgarh at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, today, as part of the Yuva Sangam Phase VI programme.
Addressing the event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that Yuva Sangam enabled young people to experience India beyond textbooks and classrooms and gain a deeper understanding of the country's cultural diversity, development initiatives and national priorities.
He noted that interactions among youth from different States strengthened the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The Minister encouraged the 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 the opportunities created under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Shri Pradhan also emphasized the importance of experiential learning and cultural exchange in broadening perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.
He encouraged the delegates to apply the insights gained through the programme and contribute positively to society and nation-building. Addressing the student delegates from Chhattisgarh, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Dr. Vineet Joshi, underscored the importance of experiential learning and cultural exchange in shaping young minds.
He noted that journeys such as Yuva Sangam helped participants develop adaptability, teamwork and other essential life skills that extended beyond formal education. Encouraging the delegates to make the most of their visit, Dr. Joshi emphasised that such exchanges strengthened national integration and deepened appreciation for India’s rich diversity.
He also called upon the participants to carry forward the spirit of the programme by sharing their learnings, nurturing the friendships formed during the journey and contributing to the vision of a connected, confident and globally aware India. The student delegates shared their experiences and reflections on their visit to Delhi and interacted with the Minister during an engaging session.
A short video on Yuva Sangam Phase 6 was screened during the programme, showcasing the delegates’ journey, experiences, and cultural exchanges. The students conveyed their appreciation to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Education for the opportunity to connect with diverse cultures and strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The delegation, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai, is being hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi from 08 June 2026 to 13 June 2026. As part of the programme, the students were introduced to the capital city's rich heritage, educational ecosystem, governance framework, and developmental achievements.
During their stay, the students visited several 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, while offering participants a broader understanding of India’s democratic traditions and socio-economic progress
The visit aims at providing immersive experiences across the five pillars of Yuva Sangam: tourism, traditions, development, technology, and people-to-people connect. The programme reaffirms the core objectives of promoting mutual respect, cultural appreciation and emotional integration among the youth while strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Launched by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of 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.