Emphasizing the transformative power of cultural exchange, Odisha welcomed a vibrant 50-member student delegation from Himachal Pradesh under Phase VII of the Yuva Sangam initiative.
The young delegates, visiting the coastal state from October 13 to 18, 2026, engaged in a deeply enriching interaction with the Minister of Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain. During the session, he urged the youth to leverage this platform to become the innovators and job creators of tomorrow.
Organized by the Ministry of Education under the visionary Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme, Yuva Sangam meticulously seeks to strengthen people-to-people connections and build lasting bonds among the youth of different Indian states. For this phase, IIM Sambalpur serves as the designated Nodal Institute for Odisha, seamlessly facilitating an immersive experience for the visiting delegates to explore the state’s developmental milestones, cultural richness, and diverse natural landscapes.
During the interactive session, the Minister extended a warm welcome, highlighting that the true essence of such exchange programmes extends far beyond traditional sightseeing. He noted that stepping out of familiar surroundings allows young minds to experience India’s unique cultural tapestry firsthand. By understanding varied regional perspectives, students inevitably develop the crucial openness and adaptability needed to thrive across different cultures.
Addressing the rapidly evolving global landscape, Minister Swain pointed out that emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies are actively unlocking unprecedented possibilities. In this highly dynamic environment, the capacity to continuously learn and innovate will strictly dictate future success. Drawing from his extensive administrative experience, he drew a powerful parallel between industrial expansion and human capital. While pouring investments into infrastructure and technology is vital for economic growth, nurturing talented, skilled, and motivated youth remains equally indispensable for shaping a resilient nation.
He concluded by encouraging the delegates to forge enduring friendships with their Odisha counterparts. The inspiring event was also graced by the Director of IIM Sambalpur, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Skill Development, and other senior officials.
