Why in news?
Yuva Sangam Phase VI opened registrations from 2 March 2026 to 25 March 2026. This youth exchange programme pairs states and union territories, sending participants on five‑to‑seven‑day tours to experience each other’s culture, technology, and development. The latest phase involves 22 pairs and is coordinated by universities and institutes across India.
Background
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) was announced in October 2015 to promote national integration by fostering cultural exchange between states. Yuva Sangam is an experiential learning component of EBSB that targets young people aged 18–30. Since its launch, the programme has organised multiple phases, enabling thousands of students to travel beyond their home states and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages experiential and holistic learning.
How the programme works
- Five Ps framework: Each tour focuses on Paryatan (tourism and heritage), Parampara (customs and traditions), Pragati (development and infrastructure), Paraspar Sampark (people‑to‑people contact) and Prodyogiki (technology and innovation).
- State pairing: States and union territories are paired so that participants from one travel to the other. For example, in Phase VI the University of Kashmir partners with the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), and Delhi University partners with the University of Madras. These host institutions organise homestays, cultural interactions and visits to historical sites and industries.
- Selection and representation: Participants are chosen through an online registration portal. The programme aims for a balanced representation of gender, rural/urban backgrounds and socio‑economic groups, ensuring inclusivity.
- Earlier phases: In the first three phases, more than 3,000 students joined tours across the country. Participants reported increased appreciation for India’s diversity and formed long‑lasting friendships.
Significance
- Cultural immersion: By living with host families and visiting local institutions, youths gain a deeper understanding of regional languages, cuisines, festivals and lifestyles.
- National integration: Exposure to different regions fosters mutual respect, reduces stereotypes and builds a sense of shared identity.
- Skill development: Visits to industries, research centres and startups encourage participants to learn about innovation and career opportunities across India.
Conclusion
Yuva Sangam demonstrates the government’s effort to nurture unity in diversity among the next generation. By blending tourism, culture and technology in structured exchanges, the programme helps build a cohesive and progressive nation.
Source: Press Information Bureau
