JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, in collaboration with the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) Chennai, warmly welcomed participants of Yuva Sangam Phase-V at the Mandapam Auditorium of IIM Jammu on 10th December 2024. This program, a pivotal initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat campaign by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, seeks to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding among youth from diverse regions of the country. The event was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who extended a heartfelt welcome to the 40 participants from Chennai, including 20 male and 20 female students, accompanied by 2 faculty members from NITTTR Chennai. The delegates were introduced to the inspiring journey of IIM Jammu through an engaging campus audiovisual presentation.
The welcome session commenced with a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony, signifying the start of a vibrant journey designed to offer participants a holistic experience of Jammu’s rich culture, traditions, progress, and its people. A comprehensive overview of the meticulously planned five-day itinerary was presented, highlighting key themes such as Tourism (Paryatan), Traditions (Parampara), Development (Pragati), People-to-People Connect (Paraspar Sampark), and Technology (Prodyogiki). Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, Dr. V. Rajkumar, Chairperson, Student Affairs, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Nodal Officer, Yuva Sangam 2024, Dr. Apurva, Co-Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu, Dr. Sudarshan, faculty, NITTTR Chennai and Dr. Jacqueline Divya Mary, faculty, NITTTR Chennai.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu highlighted IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity, cultural understanding, and national integration through initiatives like Yuva Sangam. He commended Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for spearheading this transformative program. He emphasized that the Yuva Sangam program perfectly embodies the essence of the. “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative, which aims to strengthen cultural harmony and mutual respect among India’s diverse regions. He emphasized the importance of such programs in shaping young leaders by providing them with a firsthand understanding of the country’s cultural richness, historical significance, and developmental achievements. He highlighted the perfect gender balance in the delegation and encouraged participants to explore Jammu’s food, hospitality, and culture while engaging with IIM Jammu’s vibrant community. Reflecting on the program’s objective of fostering meaningful connections, he appreciated the reciprocal cultural exchange, with students from Jammu & Kashmir visiting Tamil Nadu.