Under the Government of India’s flagship initiative Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the orientation program for Yuva Sangam Phase-V was organized on December 22, 2024, at the Bipin Chandra Paul Seminar Hall, Assam University, Silchar. Yuva Sangam focuses on fostering people-to-people connections, particularly among youth, through exposure tours encompassing tourism, traditions, development, people-connect, and technology. Assam and Chhattisgarh have been paired for this initiative, with Assam University, Silchar, and IIM Raipur serving as nodal institutions. Forty-five selected students from Assam will embark on the tour to Chhattisgarh on December 23, accompanied by five coordinators.
The orientation program featured dignitaries including Prof. Chira Ranjan Bhattacharjee, Chairman of the Yuva Sangam Program Committee, Prof. Gangabhushan M. Molankal, Coordinator of the Orientation Program Sub-Committee, Prof. Shahin Ara Begum, Member of the Orientation Program Sub-Committee, Prof. Saugata Kumar Nath, Member of the Orientation Program Sub-Committee, Dr. Tapodhir Acherjee, Nodal Officer of Yuva Sangam, and Dr. Arnab Paul, Co-Nodal Officer of Yuva Sangam. The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Tapodhir Acherjee, emphasizing the cultural exchange and the importance of the initiative in promoting national unity. The event started with the unveiling of the official jersey and caps for the tour, which were distributed among all the delegates.
Prof. Chira Ranjan Bhattacharjee urged participants to embrace the journey as an opportunity to forge friendships, experience the cultural diversity of Chhattisgarh, and uphold the decorum of the delegation. He encouraged the students to serve as ambassadors of Assam’s rich cultural heritage. Prof. Gangabhushan M. Molankal highlighted the importance of responsibility, adaptability, and cooperation, using an innovative mnemonic approach to guide the delegates through their roles during the tour. He emphasized understanding the ethos of both Assam and Chhattisgarh while fostering mutual respect.
Prof. Shahin Ara Begum stressed sportsmanship, self-awareness, and the essence of leadership, reminding students to maintain a positive digital presence as representatives of Assam and to promote the event. She invoked the philosophical tenet Aatma Deepo Bhava and encouraged participants to embody humility and wisdom throughout the journey. Prof. Saugata Kumar Nath motivated the delegates to actively engage in cultural and sports exchanges, urging them to adopt a positive mindset and extract meaningful experiences from the program.
Dr. Arnab Paul concluded the session with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and participants for their enthusiasm and commitment.
The team of forty-five students and five coordinators will depart from Assam University on December 23, 2024, with the tour being flagged off by MP Parimal Shuklabaidya. The delegation from IIM Raipur Chhattisgarh will embark on their journey on 7th January and the programme at Assam University Silchar will start on 10th January.
