- Darpan Inani, Gold Medalist, Asian Para Games 2023, along with Padmashree Awardee Vishnu Pandya flag off the expedition
- As part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (EBSB) initiative, ‘Yuva Sangam’ was conceptualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance mutual interaction between different States and Union Territories (UTs), thereby strengthening the country’s unity and national integration
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 30
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted the Flag-Off Ceremony for the Gujarat Delegation of ‘Yuva Sangam – Phase V’ at the Jibaben Patel (Kanisa) Memorial Auditorium on Friday. As part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (EBSB) initiative, ‘Yuva Sangam’ was conceptualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance mutual interaction between different States and Union Territories (UTs), thereby strengthening the country’s unity and national integration. Darpan Inani, Gold Medalist, Asian Para Games 2023, along with Padmashree awardee Vishnu Pandya, served as the Chief Guests of the day, wishing the 46 students luck on their expedition to IIIT Kottayam.
“As a visually impaired individual, chess is the only sport that allows me to compete with those with an eyesight. This game has not only earned me accolades but also taught me some crucial life lessons,” said Darpan Inani. Inani, a world-famous chess player and chartered accountant was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome at the tender age of three, which cost him his eyesight completely. From being an absolutely normal child, to a visually-impaired individual, to an international chess champion, Inani unveiled his life journey emphasising how “Life is not about visibility, but vision.”
In addition to the inspirational speech of Inani, Vishnu Pandya, a renowned author and journalist shed light on the importance of sankalp (determination), samanvay (mutual harmony), sangharsh (struggle) and samvaad (dialogue) in an individual’s life. “Do not shy away from accepting challenges. You will succeed only if you struggle.” he remarked. His continuous emphasis on “anekta mein ekta” or unity in diversity, summarised the essence of ‘Yuva Sangam’ in more ways than one. He delivered his entire speech in Gujarati and focussed on retaining one’s cultural identity in a pluralistic society like ours.
In addition to the Chief Guests, Prof Manish Kumar, Associate Dean, Student Development, expressed his gratitude to the Government of India, and noted the significance of such programmes in helping individuals build strength and composure. Furthering his ideas, Prof Harish PM, Dean, General Administration, encouraged the students to make the most of this opportunity, as every part of their travel is generously funded by the different national ministries in collaboration. “I wish we had an opportunity like this during our times as well,” remarked Prof Michel Danino, Visiting Professor, Humanities and Social Sciences, IITGN.
“In the next five days, make sure to discover something that is not limited to the intellect, but goes beyond that.” he added. His grit and determination has won him gold in several national and international events, the most recent being the Para Asian Games 2023.
During Yuva Sangam tours, multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas- the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology) will be provided to the visiting delegation over a period of 5-7 days (excluding travel days).