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Yuva Sangam is a landmark youth exchange initiative under the Government of India’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program. Launched in 2023, it has rapidly evolved into a high-impact platform for strengthening the emotional and cultural bonds between the youth of diverse regions. As of April 2026, the program has entered its Phase-VI, expanding its footprint to 22 States and Union Territories and reflecting a "whole-of-government" commitment to national unity.

The Ideological Foundation: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

The program is rooted in the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, launched on October 31, 2015, to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).

• Objective: To celebrate India’s "Unity in Diversity" by pairing different States and UTs for sustained engagement.
• Mechanism: Paired regions collaborate across various domainsincluding language, cuisine, sports, and best practicesto dismantle regional prejudices and foster mutual respect.

Structural Framework of Yuva Sangam

Yuva Sangam operationalizes this vision through structured, immersive tours.

• Target Group: Designed for youth aged 18–30 years, encompassing university students (UG, PG, PhD), young professionals, and volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
• Implementation: Anchored by the Ministry of Education, the program is executed via Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that serve as nodal centers. For instance, in Phase-VI, 22 eminent HEIs (like NIT Rourkela and IIM Ahmedabad) coordinate these exchanges.
• Digital Integration (2026): Aligning with the digital education push, Phase-VI requires participants to register using their APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).

The "5-P" Framework: The Core Pillars of Exposure

Every Yuva Sangam tour (typically lasting 5–7 days) is curated around five thematic pillars to provide a holistic understanding of the host state:

1. Paryatan (Tourism): Visiting historical monuments and natural wonders to understand the geography and history.
2. Parampara (Tradition): Immersive experiences in local arts, crafts, music, and culinary traditions.
3. Pragati (Progress): Gaining insights into major developmental landmarks and government initiatives.
4. Prodyogiki (Technology): Exposure to innovation hubs, startups, and research institutions.
5. Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect): Meaningful interactions with local heroes, SHGs, and dignitaries, including Governors and Chief Ministers.