Yuva Sangam Phase 6 culminates at IIM Jammu with a grand celebration of unity, culture, and national integration

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded Yuva Sangam Phase6, marking a memorable culmination of cultural exchange, experiential learning, and national integration under the aegis of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The programme brought together a delegation from Kerala for an immersive journey through the cultural, educational, historical, and social landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, strengthening people-to-people connections and celebrating the spirit of Unity in Diversity.The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

The day commenced with an enriching academic immersion for the Kerala delegation at the IIM Jammu campus, featuring visits to the Academic Block and the Nalanda Library. The delegates explored the institute’s vibrant academic ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The participants also viewed the institutional film of IIM Jammu, gaining insights into the institute’s vision, achievements, global outlook, and commitment towards management education and nation-building.

Held at the Mandapam Auditorium, the Valedictory Ceremony unfolded as a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural richness, youth engagement, and shared national identity. The ceremony commenced with an energetic band display and Hornpipe Dance performance by Sainik School Nagrota students, followed by colourful cultural performances showcasing Kashmiri and Dogra traditions by students from Government High School Dhami, Government Higher Secondary School, Kol Kandoli, Nagrota, Government College for Women Parade, and HEE Maa Public School, Dhami Jagti, reflecting the artistic vibrancy and cultural heritage of the region.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, underscored the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Ji, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, for conceptualizing and advancing such a unique and transformative initiative that strengthens emotional bonding, cultural understanding, and national integration among the youth of India. He lauded the programme for creating opportunities for students from different regions of the country to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and build lifelong friendships.

He commended Prof. (Brigadier) (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs, for leading the programme in mission mode and ensuring its effective implementation with dedication and commitment. Reflecting upon the participants’ experiences, he observed that journeys themselves become classrooms of learning, noting that train travel provides valuable time for dialogue, friendship, reflection, and deeper human connection.

Encouraging the delegates to remain connected beyond the programme through continued interaction and collaborative networks, he reminded them that they are the future architects of a developed India. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he emphasized that programmes like Yuva Sangam play a pivotal role in nurturing culturally aware, socially responsible, and nationally committed young leaders. He further highlighted the mutual learning embedded within the programme, where participants from Kerala experienced the rich heritage and traditions of Jammu & Kashmir, while students, faculty, officers, and staff from Jammu also gained valuable exposure to Kerala’s vibrant cultural landscape through collaborative engagement.

The ceremony featured a comprehensive presentation on the conduct, activities, and outcomes of Yuva Sangam Phase6 by Prof. (Brigadier) (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs & Nodal Officer, who highlighted the meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and mission-driven execution of the programme that enabled meaningful cultural immersion and impactful student engagement.This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Sanchar Sarkar, Faculty and Nodal Officer, IIM Kozhikode, highlighting the programme’s role in fostering cross-cultural understanding, experiential learning, emotional integration, and youth connectivity across the nation.

As part of the programme, delegates presented reflections on “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, highlighting cultural appreciation, diversity, heritage learning, and meaningful experiences across Jammu & Kashmir. The Kerala delegation described Yuva Sangam as a transformative experience marked by learning, friendship, cultural immersion, and personal growth, noting that even the train journey fostered deep conversations and lasting bonds.

They expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Government of India; IIM Jammu; and IIM Kozhikode for the opportunity to explore Jammu, interact with local communities, and visit key destinations including Bagh-e Bahu, Patnitop, Nathatop, Mansar Lake, Surinsar Lake View Point, Amar Mahal Palace, and IGNCA Regional Centre, Jammu, while appreciating the warmth and hospitality of the people.Participants from Government High School Dhami appreciated the learning environment at the Institute, while Sainik School Nagrota students shared their positive learning and inspirational experiences. The programme concluded with certificate distribution to the Kerala delegation and the Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Prof. (Brigadier) (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs & Nodal Officer; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam;Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer, along with faculty members, officials, and students from the schools and colleges of Jammu. The valedictory ceremony also featured the distribution of certificates to the Kerala delegation, recognizing their enthusiastic participation and successful completion of the Yuva Sangam journey.

The grand culmination of Yuva Sangam Phase6 reaffirmed the shared commitment of IIM Jammu and IIM Kozhikode towards strengthening cultural appreciation, educational enrichment, and national integration among India’s youth, standing as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and the vision of a united, inclusive, and developed India.