Irha News English: Hyderabad, December 10, 2023: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi as its paired institute, with the kind support of (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) IRCTC, is thrilled to be Nodal Centre to host the youth from diverse backgrounds from the state of Uttar Pradesh and glad to accompany them and familiarise with the local cuisines, lifestyle, handicraft, culture, technology, innovation and other aspects of the Telangana under the incredible Yuva Sangam (Phase – III) initiative. Yuva Sangam initiative, a brainchild of the Government of India under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program, aims to strengthen the bonds between youth from diverse states, fostering unity and understanding among our nation’s vibrant young minds. The closing ceremony of Yuva Sangam Phase-3 marked the successful conclusion of a vibrant week-long cultural exchange between Uttar Pradesh and Telangana with a special online interactive session with Her Excellency Dr. (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana & Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry. The week-long exchange concluded with a deep sense of shared experiences and newfound friendships as the delegates departed in the morning on day seven (December 10).

The core objective of Yuva Sangam is to offer our youth a multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect) and Prodyogiki (Technology). The immersive cultural journey unfolded through a meticulously planned day-wise itinerary, showcasing the diverse facets of Telangana’s heritage.

Day-1: The delegates were warmly welcomed at Secunderabad Railways and were accommodated at the lake-side International Guest House, IITH, which paved the way to explore the Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect) aspect between enthusiastic Yuva Sangam delegates with IITH students.

Day-2: An IITH’s best practices presentation and comprehensive campus tour, including visits to the VR Cave, Sports & Cultural Complex, and PG labs, amazed the group about Pragati (Development) at IITH.

Day-3: The historical and archaeological wonders of Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, and the vibrant streets of Hyderabad were on the card to adore the Paryatan (Tourism) of Telangana enriched over centuries.

Day-4: The delegates delved into the historical splendour of Golconda Fort, accompanied by enlightening words from AICTE Chairman Prof TG Sitaramu and IITH Director Prof BS Murty on the IITH Campus. The day concluded with a spectacular Open-Air Theatre experience, and the joyous celebration of Bathukamma made the youths from UP enjoy the vibrant Parampara (Traditions) of the State festival of Telangana.

Day-5: A visit to the University of Hyderabad, meeting the Vice-Chancellor, exploring the Millet Garden, ASPIRE & BIONeST facility, and observing the celestial wonders through IITH’s 14-inch Telescope ignited interest towards technology among diverse discipline youngsters marked the 5th pointer of Yuva Sangam core objective – Prodyogiki (Technology).

Day-6: The unique art of Cherial Mask Painting, using tamarind paste, led by the renowned artist Ramesh Sir, re-emphasized the rich Parampara of the state and an exclusive interaction with the Honorable Governor of Telangana, Dr. (Smt.) Tamilsai Soundararajan, enlighten the group with state-specific initiatives focused on Parampara, Pragati and Paraspar Sampark with other states. TiHAN’s visit at the end of the Tour electrified the evening as delegates navigated one of the prominent Prodyogiki at IITH – Autonomous Navigation.

Voicing about Vocal for Local, Dr. (Smt.) Tamilsai Soundararajan said, “Telangana, Hyderabad in specific, is excelling in an attempt to promote entrepreneurship, culture and tradition, taking many initiatives like organizing Statehood Taste Fest in different states, support start-up to encourage the spirit of being job-giver or job-creator.”

Emphasizing the message of Atmanirbharta, Prof B S Murty said, “We are thankful to the Ministry of Education for entrusting us with this opportunity via Yuva Sangam initiative to foster connections that help us understand each other’s strengths, promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), and contributing collectively towards the sustainable and inclusive growth of our nation into a global leader.”

“The success of this event can be credited to the enthusiasm shown by the IITH Students to connect with the UP delegation (EBSB Club & Media Council, in particular), coordinated by Dean (Students) Office, Registrar, Faculty, Staff, PR Office and specially to Dr Saurabh Sandilya as Nodal Officer – Yuva Sangam, IITH”, added Prof Murty.