Tribal Youth Exchange Programme-14th

Published by Dr. Archika Didi at January 25, 2023

Since 2006, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan has been organising this programme with the objective of:

Bringing the youths living in the tribal areas of India into mainstream of the society.
Ensuring their overall development by helping them overcome illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and other such issues that force these youths to separate themselves from the mainstream.
Sensitising them towards their rich cultural heritage.

It has been observed that tribal people living in the remote areas of the country are generally unaware of the various happenings taking place in different parts of the country. Considering the fact, efforts are being made to provide opportunities to these tribal youths to:

Make them understand the ongoing development processes.
Make them aware of the technological and industrial advancement, and opportunities available with their counterparts in other parts of the country, and develop emotional attachment with these groups of counterparts, and also
Enhance their self-esteem

These activities are being carried out in 10 districts of 5 states that are:

Lohardaga, Khunti and Chatra in Jharkhand
Bijapur and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh
Jamui, Lakhisarai and Gaya in Bihar
Malkangiri in Orissa, and
Gadchiroli in Maharashtra

In line with these activities, topics like Jal (Water), Jungle (Forest), Zameen (Land) and their importance will also be highlighted during the event. To ensure these youths’ participation in this process of development, it has been planned to establish their interaction with officials/dignitaries concerned, who will guide them in availing these opportunities.

During the 7-day tribal youth exchange programme, these youths will be taken on a sightseeing tour to the historical places of India. Also, they will be educated about personality development, the concept of the Indian constitution, life skills education, the problems of tribal people, and the Indian culture through various educational programmes.

The Indian and state governments have planned awareness generation scheme

to raise the understanding of tribal youths’ life skills, provide them personality development training, identify their skill development-oriented training needs and employable skills. Moreover, there is also a plan to provide these tribal youths better employment opportunities by introducing them to industry and skill development programmes.

The event was graced by the following notable dignitaries:

R. Menaka, IAS, District Magistrate, North Delhi
Praveen Khullar, Representative, Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation
Som Shekhar, IAS, North Delhi
Satya Prakash Pattnaik, Director, Audit, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan
Archika Didi, Vice Chairperson, Anand Dham Ashram
Shyam Sundar Joshi, Regional Director (In-charge), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan

Commencement of the Programme

The event was started with the ceremony of Deep Prajwalan followed by paying homage to Swami Vivekanand Ji and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ji. All the dignitaries, including Dr. Archika Didi, were felicitated at the event.

Addressal by the Dignitaries at the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme

Atul Kumar Pandey from Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan appreciated the initiative focusing on the interaction with the tribal youths of rural areas coming from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa and Maharashtra. He lauded the youths for attending the event ignoring their challenges.
Praveen Khullar stressed on the importance of tribal youths’ contribution in the strengthening of India. During her addressal at the event, she encouraged them to have an attitude of learning to play their role in India’s growth and development.
R. Menaka suggested the youths to be always aware. She said that having a learning curiosity depends on a person’s willingness. She said that people who were always open to learn new things gain self-confidence. She also said that youths should have holistic development and growth in their moral thinking.
Satya Prakash Pattnaik addressed the tribal youths and asked them to meet the objective of the ongoing programme in order to build their future and also to contribute for India. He said that building their own identities depends on their willpower. He encouraged the youths to carry forward the values of their ancestors and be an example for others.

Key Highlights of Dr. Archika Didi’s Addressal at the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme:

Dr. Archika Didi first remembered the Almighty and then proceeded with her addressal. Here are the key highlights of the same:

Life always has two aspects. It could be it happiness or sorrow, respect or disrespect. Because of these elements, we always keep progressing in our respective lives.
Happiness and sorrow both are necessary to understand the true meaning of life.
We all desire for happiness and prosperity, and often questions God for our sorrows, challenges. But these things are necessary to advance in life. That is why, God gives us happiness and sorrow for our inclusive growth.
Whatever challenges, problems we encounter in our lives, they only make us stronger and are crucial to progress in our lives.
We should learn from our challenges and move forward in our lives.
Youths attending this camp need to understand that by giving them problems, sorrows, challenges; God is making them learn from those situations and move forward in life. This attitude ensures growth in life.
Problems, challenges are necessary for our internal as well as external progress.
Youths should learn skills, technology required to be successful in life.
To progress in life, youth should learn to have courage, strength and patience.
A person who lives his life balancing all things is always happy.
Maintain balance in life
Youths can achieve anything in life by becoming self-confident.
A courageous person will be always victorious.
We need to stay connected to our rich culture, yoga, meditation, values. We should be proud of our culture.
Youths need to take care of their mental health. They should stay away from people misleading them and spoiling their life.
Youths must become persons of high character.

The 7-day event started from 23rd January 2023 and will conclude on 29th January 2023.