Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: A 50-member student delegation from Himachal Pradesh, visiting Odisha from 13 to 18 October under Yuva Sangam Phase VII of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, interacted with Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Swain.

Welcoming the delegates, the Minister said that Yuva Sangam provides young people with a unique opportunity to step beyond their familiar surroundings, experience India's diversity first-hand, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships across states.

He observed that the true value of such an exchange goes beyond visiting new places. It lies in meeting people, understanding different perspectives and developing the openness and adaptability required to work across cultures and geographies.

Such interactions among young people from different states strengthen mutual understanding and give practical expression to the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, he said.

Highlighting the rapidly changing world of work, the Minister said that artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies are creating new possibilities for young people. In this changing environment, the ability to continuously learn, adapt and innovate will be critical for future success.

The Minister encouraged the delegates to forge friendships with their counterparts in Odisha and remain connected beyond the programme.

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He urged them to remain curious, embrace new experiences and prepare themselves not merely to seek opportunities, but to create opportunities and emerge as innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.

The Yuva Sangam Programme, organised by the Union Ministry of Education under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative seeks to strengthen people-to-people connections and foster greater understanding among the youth of different States. Through exposure visits, participants experience the host State's culture and way of life, natural landscape, development journey, achievements and youth engagement.