The 56-member youth delegation from Madhya Pradesh, currently visiting Jharkhand under the Government of India’s Yuva Sangam Phase-VI programme, called on the Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi, on Tuesday as part of the Paraspar Sampark (Mutual Connection and Contact) component of the initiative.
The interaction provided the young participants an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into governance, leadership and public service while fostering meaningful engagement between youth from different regions of the country. The delegation was led by Prof. Sanjoy Mandal, Associate Dean, Students’ Activities (Students’ Welfare), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and accompanied by Prof. Suresh K. Yatirajula, Prof. Niptika Jana and Prof. Swati Rajput, along with five coordinators from IIT Indore. The team also visited NIAMT, Ranchi, during the course of the day.
The delegation arrived at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on June 12 and was accorded a traditional welcome by the institute community. The programme was formally inaugurated at the Penman Auditorium, where Padma Shri awardee Jamuna Tudu, popularly known as the “Lady Tarzan” for her contribution to forest conservation, was felicitated. A vibrant Chhau dance performance introduced the visiting delegates to the rich cultural traditions of Jharkhand.
Over the past few days, the participants have visited Maithon Dam and Hydro Power Plant, Maa Kalyaneswari Temple, and explored the Geological Museum and Longwall Gallery of IIT (ISM). They also interacted with language experts and visited Baba Baidyanath Dham and Basukinath Temple in Deoghar. On June 15, the delegation toured the Bokaro Steel Plant, gaining exposure to one of the country’s largest steel manufacturing facilities and learning about India’s industrial growth and technological capabilities.
The remaining itinerary includes a visit to Rock Garden and Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi on June 17, followed by tours to Parasnath Hills and Topchanchi Dam on June 18. On June 19, the delegates will visit the Innovation Centres and AI-Robotics facilities at the I2H Building of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, interact with students and faculty members, and participate in a cultural programme and valedictory function. The delegation will conclude its Jharkhand visit and depart for Madhya Pradesh on June 20.
Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. It seeks to strengthen national integration by enabling youth from different states to experience each other’s culture, language, traditions, educational institutions, technological advancements and developmental models. The programme promotes people-to-people connect, mutual understanding and the spirit of unity in diversity among young Indians.
The current visit is part of a reciprocal exchange programme. Earlier, a 42-member delegation from Jharkhand, coordinated by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, visited IIT Indore and various locations across Madhya Pradesh from May 26 to June 4, gaining exposure to the state’s academic institutions, industries, cultural heritage and innovation ecosystem.