The MY Bharath, Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai, will host the Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme at the Government Youth Hostel in Adyar, Chennai, from November 9th to 15th, 2024. This program will bring together over 132 Kashmiri youth from six terrorism-affected districts of Kashmir—Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam, Srinagar, and Pulwama—accompanied by 12 escort officers from the CRPF and NYKS.
The main objectives of the program are to promote national unity, integrity, and peace among the young people of the Kashmir Valley. It aims to offer participants opportunities to explore diverse cultural, industrial, historical, religious, and educational sites across the country. The program seeks to broaden participants’ perspectives on the social, cultural, religious, economic, and environmental realities in Kashmir. Additionally, it will provide knowledge on the Indian Constitution, citizens’ duties, national integration, patriotism, and the country’s development efforts. A key focus will be exposing participants to the technological and industrial advancements in various states, including skill development, educational, and employment opportunities.
Tmt. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for South Chennai, will inaugurate the program on November 9th, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at the Youth Hostel Auditorium in Adyar. Distinguished attendees will include Shri Prakash Govindasami IAS, Principal Secretary/Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Agri-Business, Tamil Nadu; Dr. B Shamoondeswari IPS, Inspector General of Police, CO/o DGP/HoPF, Chennai; Shri M Annadurai IIS, Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau & Central Bureau of Communication, Chennai; Shri Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO of Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai; and Shri S Senthilkumar, State Director of MY Bharath, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.
Over the seven-day program, participants will engage in various activities, including academic sessions led by experts, traditional folk performances, fitness activities, exposure visits, a food festival, career guidance, and a cleaning drive. Visits are planned to the Secretariat, Kalakshetra Foundation, B.M. Birla Planetarium, a seminar at Sri Sairam Engineering College, Marina Beach, and Mahabalipuram. Each evening, participants will showcase traditional folk dances from their regions. The program will conclude with a valedictory function on November 15th.