MY Bharat Conducts Youth Exchange Programmes to Promote National Integration and Cultural Understanding
MY Bharat Conducts Youth Exchange Programmes to Promote National Integration and Cultural Understanding
The Youth Exchange Programmes implemented by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) aim to promote national integration, cultural understanding and leadership development among young people across the country. These programmes provide opportunities for youth to interact with peers from different regions, experience diverse cultures and gain exposure to developmental initiatives and career opportunities.
The Youth Exchange Programmes currently implemented by MY Bharat include the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme (ISYEP) and the Inter-District Youth Exchange Programme (IDYEP). In addition, MY Bharat conducts the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP) and Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
During the year 2023–24, Youth Exchange Programmes were not part of the MY Bharat Annual Action Plan. However, in FY 2024–25, the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme (ISYEP) and Inter-District Youth Exchange Programme (IDYEP) were included in the MY Bharat Annual Action Plan. MY Bharat also implemented the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP) and Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs during FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25.
Number of programmes conducted in different exchange programmes across India during 2024-25:
S. No.
Name of Programme
No. of Programmes
Conducted
No. of Participants
1
Inter District Youth Exchange Programme (IDYEP)
89
2247
2
Inter State Youth Exchange Programme (ISYEP)
58
1447
3
Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP)
24
4787
4
Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP)
30
3438
Grand Total
201
11919
The objectives and thematic focus areas of the Youth Exchange Programmes conducted by MY Bharat are as follows:
Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme (ISYEP):
The programme aims to promote national integration, cultural exchange and mutual understanding among youth from different States. It facilitates interaction through exposure visits, language learning, sharing of cuisine, cultural activities and exchange of best practices.
Inter-District Youth Exchange Programme (IDYEP):
The programme aims to promote exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences among youth from different districts. It enables participants to understand and appreciate the traditions, customs and cultural heritage of the host district while fostering meaningful interaction and collaboration.
Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP):
Implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the programme seeks to sensitize tribal youth from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas about the country’s cultural heritage, promote the spirit of unity in diversity, expose them to developmental activities and enhance life skills along with career counselling opportunities.
Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP):
This programme aims to expose youth from the Kashmir Valley to technological and industrial advancements in other parts of the country. It also creates awareness about development initiatives, skill development opportunities, education and employment avenues.
Through these initiatives, MY Bharat continues to strengthen youth engagement, promote cultural understanding and support the overall development of young people across the country.
This information was given by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Monday.