JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Jammu organized a vibrant folk music and dance program here at K.L. Saigal Hall. The event marked the valedictory ceremony of the five-day Interstate Youth Exchange Program (ISYEP), celebrating a journey of learning, cultural exchange, and unity.
The program was graced by Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, Harvinder Kaur as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honor included Ranjeet Kalra (Sports Administrator & Faculty Member, University of Jammu), Javed Rahi (Chief Editor, Gojri) and Aijaz Qaisar (Joint Director, Tourism J&K).
A key highlight of the concluding ceremony was the Cultural Exchange, where participants from Haryana showcased their rich traditions through captivating folk dances and songs. In response, renowned artists from Jammu & Kashmir, Asha Kesar and Shamsher Singh, enthralled the audience with traditional folk performances, including Bhakhaan and Kaarkaan, offering a mesmerizing display of India’s cultural diversity.
During the event, participants from Haryana shared their enriching five-day experience, expressing gratitude to MY Bharat - Nehru Yuva Kendra Jammu and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for facilitating such a meaningful exchange program. They highlighted how the initiative enabled them to explore India’s cultural diversity, build friendships, and gain valuable insights into different traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Harvinder Kaur applauded the participants for their performances and appreciated the efforts of MY Bharat-NYKS in organizing such programs for youth empowerment. She emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in fostering national integration, mutual respect, and unity among young individuals.
Guest of Honor Ranjeet Kalra commended NYKS for its efforts in bringing together youth from different states through the Youth Exchange Program. He noted that such initiatives serve as a vital bridge to overcoming cultural gaps and regional disconnect. AijazQaisar, Joint Director, Tourism, also lauded the participation of youth from Haryana, emphasizing that such initiatives significantly contribute to national integration.
Dr.Javaid Rahi remarked that language has no barriers and pointed out the striking similarities between the Gojri and Haryanvi languages. With this, the Interstate Youth Exchange Program 2025 successfully concluded, leaving participants with unforgettable experiences and a renewed sense of unity and collaboration.
The five-day program was organized under the supervision of Nitin Hangloo, District Youth Officer (DYO), with academic support from Dr.Nitan Sharma, Assistant Professor, Law School, University of Jammu. The Valedictory Ceremony was seamlessly coordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers—Rakshant Balotra, Rahul Attri, Divyansh, and Sahaj, under the supervision of Anmol Bajaj, APA NYKS Jammu.
