Bhubaneswar, 16 October (H.S.): A 50-member student delegation from Himachal Pradesh, visiting Odisha under Phase VII of the Yuva Sangam programme, interacted with the Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, on Friday.

The delegation is visiting the State from October 13 to 18, 2026, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative of the Government of India. Welcoming the young delegates, the Minister highlighted the importance of youth exchanges in strengthening national integration, promoting cultural understanding and fostering lasting relationships among young people from different States.

He said Yuva Sangam offers participants a valuable opportunity to step beyond familiar surroundings, experience India's rich diversity, exchange ideas and build meaningful connections across regions. The real value of such exchanges, he noted, lies not merely in visiting new places but also in understanding different perspectives and developing the openness and adaptability needed to work across cultures and geographies.

The Minister observed that interactions among young people from different States strengthen mutual understanding and translate the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat into meaningful people-to-people connections.

Highlighting the changing employment landscape, he pointed to the emerging opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies. He emphasised that continuous learning, adaptability and innovation would be essential for young people to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of work.

Drawing on his experience as Industries Minister, he underlined the close relationship between industrial growth and human capital development. While investments in industries, infrastructure and technology are vital for economic progress, he said, nurturing skilled, talented and motivated young people is equally important for building a prosperous future.

Encouraging the delegates to make the most of their visit, the Minister urged them to develop lasting friendships with their counterparts in Odisha and remain connected beyond the programme. He called upon them to stay curious, embrace new experiences and prepare themselves not only to seek opportunities but also to create them as innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.

Yuva Sangam is organised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote greater understanding among the youth of different States. Through structured exposure visits, participants gain first-hand insights into the host State's culture, traditions, natural landscapes, development journey, achievements and youth engagement.

Under Phase VII, the Himachal Pradesh delegation is visiting Odisha from October 13 to 18, with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur, serving as the nodal institute for the State. The visit provides the participants with an immersive opportunity to understand Odisha's cultural heritage, developmental progress and institutional landscape through interactions with local communities and institutions.

The Director of IIM Sambalpur, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda