Phase VI of the Yuva Sangam programme concluded successfully with the final tour from Madhya Pradesh to Jharkhand ending on June 19, 2026. Organised by the Department of Higher Education, Union Ministry of Education, Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme. It aims at fostering national integration, cultural exchange and experiential learning among the youth of the country.

Yuva Sangam provides an immersive platform for young people to experience the rich cultural, linguistic, educational and social diversity of the country. The first tour of Phase VI commenced on May 8, 2026 from Rajasthan to Karnataka. Around 1100 delegates were selected from among more than 1,26,000 registered students from 22 paired states. Delegations visiting states met the Governors of their respective host States, while those visiting Union Territories interacted with the Lieutenant Governors, gaining valuable insights into governance, constitutional values, leadership and inclusive development. In a special interaction, the Chhattisgarh delegation visiting the National Capital Territory of Delhi interacted with the Chief Minister of Delhi.

The delegations were hosted by premier Higher Educational Institutions. They participated in academic interactions, cultural programmes, heritage visits, innovation showcases and community engagement activities. The participants gained exposure to the traditions, development models and best practices of the paired States and Union Territories.

Throughout the programme, the participants also interacted with senior government officials, academicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists and local communities. Visits to universities, research institutions, places of historical significance, industrial establishments, museums and cultural landmarks enriched their understanding of India's diversity and shared heritage. The delegates showcased their own regional traditions through cultural performances, exhibitions and interactive sessions, fostering mutual appreciation and lifelong friendships.

As part of the immersive learning experience under Yuva Sangam Phase VI, participants visited premier educational institutions, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems including leading incubation centres such as T-Hub, along with research institutions, developmental projects and major infrastructure facilities. Delegations also visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as other nationally significant heritage locations, gaining deeper insights into India's cultural and civilizational heritage.

The programme further included hands-on engagement with traditional arts such as Kalamkari painting, Warli painting, tribal art forms, pottery, and handicraft demonstrations, alongside interactions with artisans, entrepreneurs and local communities. Special initiatives such as plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, village visits, and community engagement activities strengthened the participants’ sense of social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Spanning over six weeks, Yuva Sangam Phase VI enabled young participants to experience India's diverse landscapes, languages, cuisines, traditions and developmental achievements while building networks that transcend geographical boundaries. The programme truly embodied the vision of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat", promoting people-to-people connect and strengthening the spirit of unity in diversity.

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RRTN