Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Yuva Sangam Igniting Dreams and Shaping Futures: When Students from Punjab Made an Inspiring Journey to IIT Bombay
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, initiated the Yuva Sangam programme under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (EBSB) campaign with the primary objective of strengthening interpersonal connections and fostering empathy amongst the youth of India.
An estimated 1000 youngsters from 23 States and UTs of India will participate in the programme. As part of this initiative, Maharashtra has been paired with Punjab. Whilst 35 youngsters from Maharashtra and 10 from Dadra-Nagar Haveli, Daman-Diu travelled to NIT Jalandhar between May 12-19, 2023, IIT Bombay welcomed 45 youngsters from the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, and hosted them on campus between May 7-12, 2023. The students included 22 girls and 23 boys and were between the ages of 18 to 30 years old.
These reciprocal tours are being organised to provide an immersive, multidimensional experience under five broad areas:
– Paryatan (Tourism)
– Parampara (Tradition)
– Pragati (Development)
– Prodyogik (Technology)
– Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect)
Welcoming the Yuva Delegates to IIT Bombay
Team Punjab flagged off at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar | IIT Bombay
The ‘Yuva’ delegates from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, arrived at the IIT Bombay campus on Sunday, 7th May 2023, and were welcomed by Prof. S. Sudarshan, Deputy Director (Academic and Infrastructure Affairs) at the Institute.
Speaking about the many activities planned for the Yuva delegates, Prof. Deepak Marla, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IITB, said, “The students will be taken on a Heritage walk around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus. Besides this, they will be visiting the Bombay Stock Exchange, Gateway of India, Vidhan Sabha, Kanheri Caves, and other places of interest. They will also be taken to some of the impressive infrastructures in Mumbai like the Bandra Worli Sea-link.” He added, “The visiting students will also be provided popular Maharashtrian cuisine in the hostels they will be staying in. Also, they will get to participate in various sports and cultural activities organised at the IIT B campus during their stay.”
IIT Bombay Shows Mumbai to the Yuva Sangam Delegates From Punjab
Meeting the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra
The students met with the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bais, for an interactive session at Raj Bhavan on May 9. They were accompanied on their visit to Raj Bhavan by Prof. Ganesh Bhorkade, Registrar, IIT Bombay, Shri Surendra Naik, Consultant, EBSB, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman AICTE, and Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay.
Yuva Sangam Delegates Visit the Famous Kanheri Caves
The Yuva Sangam delegates enjoyed their visit to the famous Kanheri Caves within Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. Their spirits undeterred, the Yuva Sangam delegates trekked their way to the caves despite the peak May heat of Mumbai.
Yuva Sangam Delegates Visit Vidhan Sabha
The youngsters from Punjab had a taste of administration and the intricacies behind the administration of a state when they visited the Vidhan Bhavan and interacted with officials in the Central Hall.
Yuva Sangam Delegates Get a Taste of IIT Bombay Labs
The Dept. Of Civil Engineering at IIT Bombay welcomed the Yuva Sangam delegates and showed them around their centrifuge, heavy structure, and hydraulic labs.
Yuva Sangam Delegates Get a Taste of Mumbai
IIT Bombay then arranged for the delegates of Yuva Sangam to go on a heritage walk around Mumbai. The tour started from the Asiatic Society and went up to the Gateway of India. During the tour, the youth got an opportunity to witness the rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and history of Mumbai and were able to connect with Mumbaikars at a deeper level. The youngsters were treated to a masterfully curated trip under the guidance of experienced guides from the Ministry of Tourism and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Asiatic Society, St. Thomas Cathedral, Flora Fountain, Mumbai University, Kala Ghoda, the grand facades of Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya, CST Railway Station, and the Gateway of India.
Ringing the Bell!
Future stock market bulls in the making? Maybe! Yuva Sangam delegates got an opportunity to ‘Ring The Bell’ at the prestigious Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai. What an incredible memory the youngsters will carry back with them!
Having Fun!
The Yuva Sangam delegates engaged in a friendly basketball game with the students of the Institute and also indulged in a spontaneous dance performance.
Showing off their Sporting Skills!
In a wonderful display of sportsmanship and unity, Yuva Sangam delegates from Punjab played a friendly basketball match with students from IIT Bombay students.
And Then Dancing the Night Away
Yuva Sangam: Returning Home from IIT Bombay Feeling Empowered and Their Hearts Filled With Dreams
IIT Bombay was honoured and privileged to host these youngsters from Punjab. The Institute hopes that as these young delegates (and the future of a vibrant India) bid farewell to IIT Bombay, this trip resonated and served them as a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle is insurmountable. The trip was transformative – not just for these youngsters but for IIT Bombay as well. Whilst the Yuva Sangam delegates had their destinies forever shaped by their remarkable adventure with their time spent at India’s premier college, IIT Bombay was equally impacted by the energy, fire, and ambitiousness displayed by these dynamic youngsters.
Undoubtedly, they will bring glory to their beloved Punjab and India!
Onwards and upwards!