New Delhi, 30 October (H.S.):The seventh edition of Yuva Sangam at the University of Delhi is showcasing India's cultural unity, with a special emphasis on the cultural connections between Haryana and Punjab. Organised under the Ministry of Education's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, the seven-day programme is introducing a 55-member youth delegation from Tamil Nadu to Delhi's rich cultural diversity, historical heritage and traditional practices.

On the fourth day of the programme, a cultural celebration was organised on the Delhi University campus, where students from Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College and Aditi Mahavidyalaya presented a series of cultural performances, including Punjab's traditional folk dance, Giddha. Through their performances, the students highlighted the cultural harmony and shared heritage of Haryana and Punjab.

Students from Tamil Nadu pursuing their studies at Delhi University also presented traditional folk dances from their home state. The performances created a vibrant cultural exchange, bringing together the folk traditions of northern and southern India on a common platform.

Welcoming the visiting students from Tamil Nadu, Prof. K.P. Singh, Director of Gandhi Bhawan and Nodal Officer for Yuva Sangam, said that the participants had not travelled to an unfamiliar place but had simply moved from one beautiful part of India to another. Although languages and forms of expression may differ across regions, the country and its people remain united, he said, adding that this diversity and unity constitute the true beauty of India.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's contribution to India's cultural heritage, Prof. Singh noted that Tamil is among the world's oldest languages and possesses a rich literary tradition, classical music, devotional heritage and distinctive cultural practices.

He encouraged the visiting students to make at least five lasting friendships during their stay in Delhi and maintain those relationships even after returning home. Emphasising the responsibility of every citizen, he said that people should love their country, understand its diversity and contribute meaningfully to its progress. Yuva Sangam, he added, was not merely an educational tour but an important initiative to strengthen linguistic and cultural connections among different regions of the country.

Prof. Hansraj Suman, Joint Director of Gandhi Bhawan, observed that Yuva Sangam was not simply a journey but an opportunity to experience India in its entirety. He said the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' could be realised when young people from different regions developed an understanding of one another's languages, cultures and traditions.

He emphasised that India's shared cultural heritage was reflected in every state and that its distinctive strength lay in its ability to accommodate diverse traditions and communities. Referring to the cultural programme, he said the students had demonstrated the cultural unity of Haryana and Punjab through their performances. The visiting students from Tamil Nadu and those studying at Delhi University had also gained valuable insights into one another's cultural traditions.

As part of the programme, the visiting delegation was taken on educational visits to several prominent historical landmarks and sites of national importance in Delhi. These included the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the National Museum and India Gate. The students also visited Dilli Haat, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College and several other locations.

The programme additionally featured a food festival, a handicrafts exhibition, a Bhasha Sangam initiative and an interactive youth dialogue titled 'My Culture, My Pride'. These activities were designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of India's regional cuisines, languages, artistic traditions and cultural identities.

The seven-day residential programme is being attended by 55 young representatives from Central University of Tamil Nadu. A team of faculty members constituted by Delhi University is guiding the participants throughout their stay and facilitating their engagement with the city's academic, historical and cultural landscape.

Among those present at the programme were Prof. Charu Kalra, Prof. Manoj Kumar Cain, Dr. Gyanendra Singh, Dr. Aniruddh Kumar Sudhanshu, Dr. Manish Kumar, Dr. Alok Kumar, Dr. Anwar Jahan, Dr. Ananthi Vasudevan and Dr. Basanta V. Gauri, along with faculty members from various colleges and departments.

Through cultural performances, educational excursions and interactive activities, Yuva Sangam continues to provide young people with an opportunity to experience India's diversity firsthand while fostering mutual understanding, lasting friendships and a stronger sense of national integration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar