Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: Cultural Exchange Program Begins for Youth of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka

The Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Education, is organizing the seventh phase of 'Yuva Sangam' as part of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program. The primary objective of this initiative is to strengthen mutual relations among the youth of different states and promote national unity.

The Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka delegation was dispatched on September 26, 2026, with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, serving as the nodal institution. Hosted by the Central University of Karnataka, the delegation is experiencing the rich heritage, traditions, cuisine, and cultural diversity of Karnataka.

During the visit on October 1, 2026, the delegation met with the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawarchand Gehlot. Through this interaction, the youth representatives discussed the exploration of Karnataka's cultural heritage and the role of youth in strengthening national unity.

As part of the cultural and educational tour, the representatives visited the Bidar Fort and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore). Additionally, on September 30, 2026, the delegation met with Padma-Shri awardee Bidriware artist Shri Rashid Ahmed Qadri, providing them an opportunity to understand this traditional craft and the importance of cultural preservation in India. The delegation also visited Gurudwara Shri Nanak Jhira Sahib for a spiritual experience.

The Yuva Sangam initiative focuses on developing mutual understanding among the youth of various states and union territories through experiential learning and cultural exchange. The program is based on five key pillars—Tourism, Tradition, Progress, Connectivity, and Technology—which introduce participants to the social, educational, and technical dimensions of different regions.