IISER Mohali to Host 48 Youth Delegates from Gujarat Under Yuva Sangam: Chandigarh, The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali will host 48 youth delegates from Gujarat from October 23 under the seventh phase of Yuva Sangam, an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.
The week-long exchange will offer participants first-hand exposure to Punjab’s educational institutions, industries, cultural traditions and historical landmarks.
Addressing the media at the Chandigarh Press Club, IISER Mohali Director Prof. Anil K. Tripathi said Yuva Sangam provides a valuable platform for young Indians to understand the country’s diversity and strengthen national unity. He emphasised that educational institutions must go beyond academics and research to nurture socially responsible citizens who appreciate India’s cultural heritage and contribute to nation-building.
IISER Mohali has been paired with the Central University of Gujarat for a reciprocal exchange between Gujarat and the Chandigarh region. As part of the programme, 40 students from Chandigarh visited Gujarat from October 9 to 16, interacting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat, besides visiting prominent educational, cultural and industrial institutions.
Launched in 2023, Yuva Sangam promotes experiential learning through five pillars: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Prodyogiki (Technology) and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect).
The visiting delegation will begin its programme at IISER Mohali on October 23 with an orientation session and a tour of the institute’s academic and research facilities. Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor to the North Region Science and Technology Cluster under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will attend the inaugural programme as Chief Guest. National Film Award-winning filmmaker Ojaswwee Sharma will be the Guest of Honour.
On October 24, the delegates will visit Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and Sector 17, besides interacting with the Punjab Governor at Lok Bhavan, as planned. A traditional Bhangra workshop by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Balkar Singh Sidhu will encourage cultural exchange.
The October 25 itinerary includes Panjab University, Verka Dairy Plant and Qila Mubarak in Patiala. The delegates will also interact with Padma Shri awardee Lajwanti Ji, known for her contribution to preserving Phulkari embroidery, and participate in Giddha and Bhangra workshops.
On October 26, visits to Hero Cycles and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana will highlight the state’s industrial growth, entrepreneurship, agricultural research and contribution to the Green Revolution.
The following day, the delegation will visit IIM Amritsar for discussions on Punjab’s economy, followed by visits to the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum and Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. The programme also includes the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah Border. Visits to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum at Anandpur Sahib will introduce participants to Punjab’s history and Sikh heritage.
Yuva Sangam nodal officers Dr. Tanusree Khandai and Dr. Vishal Bhardwaj said the exchange would help students learn beyond classrooms and build lasting relationships.
Prof. R. Vijaya Anand, Dean of International Relations and Outreach and Registrar Raj Kumar Manjhiwal reaffirmed IISER Mohali’s commitment to scientific outreach, national integration and nation-building.
