As part of Yuva Sangam Phase-VI, a flagship initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)
programme, delegates from Chhattisgarh had the privilege of interacting with the Hon’ble Union Minister
of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in New Delhi on 11 June 2026. The programme was jointly
coordinated by IIT Bhilai and IIT Delhi, bringing together youth from different regions of the country to
foster cultural exchange, national integration, and mutual learning.
The event was also graced by Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry
of Education, Government of India, who interacted with the delegates and encouraged them to actively
contribute towards the nation’s development through knowledge, innovation, and leadership.
During the event, the Chhattisgarh delegation showcased the rich cultural heritage of the state through a
vibrant Chhattisgarhi folk dance performance and a soulful rendition of the state song “Arpa Pairi Ke
Dhar.” The cultural presentations were highly appreciated by the dignitaries and participants.
The interaction session provided a platform for delegates from Delhi and Chhattisgarh to share their
experiences from their respective visits. Delegates from Delhi fondly recalled their visit to Chhattisgarh,
highlighting their experiences at the Raj Bhavan, Bhoramdeo Temple, Sirpur, Rajim, Bhilai Steel Plant,
and other culturally and historically significant locations. They appreciated the state’s rich heritage,
hospitality, and developmental achievements.
Similarly, the Chhattisgarh delegates shared their enriching experiences during their visit to Delhi, which
included interactions at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, visits to the Rastrapti Musem India
Gate, Kartavya Path, Akshardham Temple, National Science Center and Delhi Haat. The delegates also
highlighted their interaction with renowned Indian athlete Tejaswin Shankar and several other inspiring
personalities, making their visit a memorable learning experience.
Addressing the young delegates, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan encouraged them to become job creators
rather than job seekers, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. He
urged the youth to develop entrepreneurial skills, leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI), and create products and services that can serve not only India but the entire world. He
also highlighted the role of young citizens in nation-building through innovation, collaboration, and social
responsibility.
The interaction concluded with an inspiring message for the youth to harness their potential, embrace
innovation, and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in knowledge,
technology, and sustainable development.
The event was graced by Prof. Arvind K. Nema, Deputy Director (Operations), IIT Delhi; Shri
Shreyansh Mohan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education,
Government of India; Shri Naresh Kumar Grover, Director, Regulation Bureau, AICTE; Shri
Surendra Naik, Advisor to the Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India; Prof. Yama
Dixit, IIT Delhi; Dr. Krishna Murari, Nodal Officer, IIT Bhilai; and other officials associated with
the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative.
The Yuva Sangam programme continues to serve as a unique platform for promoting cultural
understanding, strengthening national unity, and fostering meaningful connections among the youth of
India.