Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosts a Day of Unity, sustainability and culture for Yuva Sangam Phase V

JAMMU: The Yuva Sangam Phase V under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative progressed with great enthusiasm at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu. This edition of the program brought together students from Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir, fostering cross-cultural learning and exchange.The fourth day began with a massive plantation drive organized at the IIM Jammu campus behind the Brahmaputra MDP Block, coordinated by the Horticulture Department, IIM Jammu. This initiative aligns with the institute’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

All 40 students (20 male and 20 female) from Tamil Nadu actively participated in the drive, planting various saplings across the campus. The participants were accompanied by faculty members from the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chennai, including Dr. Sudarshan and Dr. Jacqueline Divya Mary, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the program.

The day included a special visit to the Raj Bhavan, where participants had the opportunity to interact with Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. This enriching session provided valuable insights into governance and the region's unique cultural heritage.

The Lieutenant GovernorShri Manoj Sinha welcomed the youth delegation from Tamil Nadu, visiting J&K as part of the Yuva Sangam initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program by the Ministry of Education. He emphasized the historical and cultural connection between Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting their shared contributions to India’s rich heritage.Commending the Yuva Sangam initiative, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for fostering unity in diversity through such meaningful programs.

He spoke about the youth-focused policies and programs launched in the last decade, aimed at creating an enabling environment for young people to realize their aspirations. He remarked on the sharp social consciousness of the youth, noting their big dreams not just for themselves but for the nation’s development. He lauded their efforts toward building a prosperous society rooted in equality and social justice.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized that the Yuva Sangam initiative under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is a remarkable platform to unite India’s youth by bridging cultures and fostering mutual respect. He highlighted that IIM Jammu takes pride in hosting this transformative journey, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, diversity, and the collective growth of the nation.

The evening concluded with vibrant cultural performances by the renowned theatre group Natrang and artists from the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL). The Chief Guest for the cultural evening Shri Balwant Thakur, Padmashree Awardee 2013, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee 1999, Founder/Director Natrang Jammu. These performances showcased the rich artistic traditions of Jammu & Kashmir, leaving a lasting impression on the participants and further strengthening the bond between the two regions.The visit underlined the significance of people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and knowledge sharing, strengthening the bonds of unity between Tamil Nadu and Jammu &Kashmir.The entire program is being coordinated by the Student Affairs Office, IIM Jammu.

Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, Dr. V. Rajkumar, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu; Dr. Sudarshan, Faculty, NITTTR Chennai; and Dr. Jacqueline Divya Mary, Faculty, NITTTR Chennai. This engaging and impactful day underscored the essence of the Yuva Sangam initiative in building unity through diversity.

The fourth day of the Yuva Sangam Phase V was a vibrant celebration of unity, diversity, and shared responsibility toward sustainable development. From meaningful interactions at the Raj Bhavan to the soulful cultural performances in the evening, the program exemplified the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Through such initiatives, IIM Jammu continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing a sense of togetherness and mutual respect among the youth of India, fostering a vision of a truly united and progressive nation.