NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 18
In a powerful step towards strengthening national integration and empowering tribal youth, R. N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, will inaugurate the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, Enathur, Kancheepuram, on February 20, 2026.
Organised by MY Bharat Kancheepuram under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the seven-day residential programme will run from February 19 to 25, bringing together 200 tribal youth from diverse regions of India.
- 200 tribal youth from five States converge in Tamil Nadu for transformative seven-day national integration mission
- MY Bharat flagship initiative blends culture, leadership, career guidance, and heritage exposure
- Governor to inaugurate landmark youth empowerment event at Sri Sankara Arts and Science College on Feb 20
- Programme reinforces Government of India’s vision of inclusive development, tribal welfare, and youth leadership
Addressing the media in Chennai, State Director of MY Bharat Shri S. Senthil Kumar said, “the inaugural function will be held on 20.02.2026 at the Sri Sankara College Auditorium, Kancheepuram, and will be inaugurated by R. N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu.”
Youth from Five States Unite in Cultural and Leadership Journey
The programme will host tribal youth from
- Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat – 50 participants)
- Jharkhand (West Singhbhum – 20 participants)
- Odisha (Kandhamal – 20, Malkangiri – 20, Kalahandi – 30)
- Maharashtra (60 participants)
All participants will reside at the Sri Sankara Arts and Science College campus, enabling immersive interaction, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning.
The initiative aims to promote emotional integration, national pride, and mutual respect by exposing tribal youth to Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural, educational, and developmental landscape while reinforcing constitutional values and civic responsibility.
Holistic Youth Development Through Leadership, Skills, and Nation-Building
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme focuses on comprehensive personality and leadership development through:
- Career guidance and life skills education
- Youth Parliament sessions to understand democratic processes
- Leadership training and personality development workshops
- Awareness sessions on tribal welfare schemes like Stand-Up India and Start-Up India
- Environmental activities including Swachh Bharat drives and tree plantation
- Daily yoga sessions promoting mental and physical wellness
Special disaster preparedness training will be conducted by the National Disaster Response Force, equipping youth with emergency response skills and resilience capabilities.
Cultural Exchange and Heritage Exposure to Build ‘Unity in Diversity’
Cultural immersion lies at the heart of the programme. Participants will showcase tribal dances, music, and folk traditions alongside Tamil Nadu’s rich folk heritage. Competitions, declamation contests, and cultural performances will encourage creative expression and cross-cultural appreciation.
Exposure visits include:
- Heritage tour of Mahabalipuram
- Visit to Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development
- Industrial exposure at Saint‑Gobain manufacturing facility
- Tours of Kancheepuram silk weaving centres and cultural landmarks
An exhibition featuring millets, tribal medicine, and indigenous products will promote traditional knowledge systems and sustainable livelihoods.
Ensuring Safety, Cultural Immersion, and Lasting National Bonds
To ensure participant safety, 20 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force will accompany the youth throughout the programme. Participants will also experience authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine, fostering deeper cultural immersion.
The valedictory function on February 25 will honour all participants with certificates and awards, marking the culmination of a transformative journey of cultural exchange and national unity.
Officials said the programme will help break stereotypes, strengthen emotional integration, and nurture a shared national identity among youth—empowering them to become future leaders and ambassadors of inclusive development.
