To celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of our country, the Government of India is organizing Yuva Sangam (exposure visits cum student exchange programs) through the Ministry of Education under One India Excellent India Scheme. Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Youth Affairs and Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of North Eastern Regional Development play vital roles in organizing these programs.
The Yuva Sangam focuses on conducting exposure tours of the youth comprising students studying in higher educational institutions and off-campus youngsters from a particular region to various states of India. Yuva Sangam (season 2) envisages participation from 23 States and UTs from across India. In this regard, Puducherry UT is paired with West Bengal.
A team of 45 delegates from West Bengal (Led by NIT Durgapur) is visiting NIT Puducherry and touring Puducherry UT. They will stay at NIT Puducherry karaikal from 18th May to 24th May, 2023. The inaugural function of this program held today (18.05.2023) at National Institute of Technology Puducherry, In this function Mr. A. Kulothungan I.A.S, District Collector and District Magistrate, Dr. G. Aghila, Director, NIT Trichy, Dr. Ganesan Kannabiran, Director(i/c), NIT Puducherry, Dr. S. Sundaravarathan, Registrar, NIT Puducherry, Faculty, Staff and Students of NIT Puducherry all are attended this function.
During the tour, the West Bengal Delegates will visit places of interest such as Tharangambadi Ozone Beach, Danish Fort, Museum, Karaikal, MS Swami Nathan Research Foundation, Poompuhar, Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Estuary and Eco visit, Raj Nivas, Arvind Ashram, Auroville, Legislative Assembly, Museum, White Town, Cultural and Eco visit to Nagore, Velankanni, Vedaranyam Salt March, Kodiyakarai , The Great Living Chola Temples - UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Darasuram and The Big Temple, Thanjavur and Saraswathi Mahal Library.
During their stay, they will also enjoy the traditional performances of Tharai thappattai, Mayilattam, Oillattam, kolattam, karagattam and silambattam by professionals. In addition to these performances, college students of Karaikal will also exhibit the arts and culture to the visitors. Furthermore, each visitor will have a buddy and visit their home to understand the diversity of India and culture of the people of Puducherry. NIT Puducherry acts as the Nodal Institute to host the participants from West Bengal.