17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme Begins at GITAM University
Visakhapatnam: The 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was inaugurated at GITAM Deemed to be University on Wednesday, with participation from tribal youth belonging to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The week-long programme aims to expose participants to technological, industrial and cultural developments while strengthening their national outlook.
The initiative includes visits to industries, heritage and historical sites, along with interactive sessions designed to broaden perspectives, enhance skills and encourage social integration. The programme seeks to provide young participants an opportunity to experience India’s cultural diversity while learning about development initiatives outside their home States.
Inaugurating the programme, My Bharat director for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ansuman Prasad Das, said tribal youth were emerging as key drivers of socio-economic transformation. He noted that with access to education, entrepreneurship opportunities and digital skills, tribal youth were increasingly moving beyond being beneficiaries of welfare schemes to becoming active contributors to inclusive nation-building.
Mr. Das explained that the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme focuses primarily on empowering youth from tribal communities in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. He emphasised the importance of social equity and urged eligible tribal youth to be aware of and effectively utilise opportunities available under the constitutional reservation system.
He added that blending modern skills with traditional knowledge could help tribal communities bridge development gaps, create sustainable livelihoods and promote holistic growth. By doing so, tribal youth can preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to changing economic and social realities.
The inaugural event was attended by My Bharat Visakhapatnam deputy director G. Maheswara Rao, ITBP Commandant Suraj Prakash Joshi, HPCL Skill Development Centre General Manager P. Vijayakumar, Consumer Court judge Rehamunnisa Begam and other dignitaries.
Our Final Thoughts
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme plays a crucial role in fostering national integration and empowering tribal youth by combining exposure, education and cultural exchange.