Rourkela : 31 students from Odisha started a week-long exposure trip to Sikkim as a part of Yuva Sangam Programme. The 7-day long journey kicked off from Rourkela junction with the participants boarding the Howrah Ispat Express.
Students representing various states of Odisha today embarked on a trip to Sikkim to have a multi-dimensional exposure to tourism, traditions, development technology and people to people connect. During their exposure tour, youths will visit to different tourist places, organic farming units, NGOs, etc. like Temi Tea Garden, Chardham, Buddha Park, Gnathang Village, National Institute of Tibetology, Raj Bhawan, White Hall flower exhibition centre, Namchi local market, etc. The participants will also get a glimpse of Sikkimese culture and tradition in an event organized by NIT Sikkim. They will indulge in various activities with the students of NIT Sikkim including cultural performance, games, activities and sports. They are also going to have an interaction meet with the governor of Sikkim, Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
An orientation cum dinner event was organized for the participants going to Sikkim which was attended by Prof K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, Prof Siddharth Jena, Dean (Student Welfare), Prof Rohan Dhiman, Registrar and Prof Winny Routray, Nodal Officer from NIT Rourkela. The participants were presented with the souvenir kits. Prof Rohan Dhiman introduced all the coordinators who would be accompanying the participants during this exposure trip.
Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao radiated encouragement to make most of the programme and said, “Yuva Sangam program has been planned to provide you with a wondrous opportunity to engage with your fellow Indians, absorb their ideologies and discover new knowledge. Being the first organic state, Sikkim is exquisite, and the land of peace and tranquility will undoubtedly offer you the warmest of experiences and memories. You are the representatives of Odisha and be prepared to embrace and share the rich tapestry of our culture and traditions.
Prof. Rohan Dhiman (Registrar) instilled the idea of relishing every moment of the journey allowing for a truly enriching experience. He expressed his gratitude towards various ministries under the Government of India and different institutes that have contributed their time and effort to organize the program, acknowledging their support.
The Nodal Officer for Yuva Sangam Odisha, Prof. Winny Routray imparted the participants with precise instructions and SOPs to be followed during the tour. She provided guidelines on the essential items to be carried for the trip. Finally, she extended her warm wishes for a joyful and pleasant journey to all the participants.
Snehasish Sahoo, a B.Tech student at National Institute of Technology, Rourkela and a native of Odisha, expressed his enthusiasm and anticipation for the program and said, “Everyone is extremely excited for the tour. We all are curious to explore the scenic beauty of Sikkim. I believe that this 7-day long journey will offer us priceless memories that will last a lifetime.”
This program is being organized in collaboration with various other ministries and departments, including Education, Culture, Tourism, Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs & Sports, Home Affairs, Department for Development of North-East Region (DoNER) and IRCTC. Around 1000 youth will participate in the pilot tour of Yuva Sangam. This project uniquely connects and strengthens the bond between young people of the North Eastern States and the rest of India. The Yuva Sangam team from Odisha will complete their 7-day tour and return on 8th March 2023.