Kolkata,  October 7,  2026

 

The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT, Kharagpur), the nodal Higher Education Institution (HEI) of West Bengal for Yuva Sangam Phase VII, welcomed a delegation of around 50 college students from Uttarakhand, accompanied by five faculty members from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU), Srinagar, today.

The arrival marks the beginning of an immersive week-long journey across West Bengal from October 7 to 13, 2026, designed to foster cultural understanding, knowledge exchange and people-to-people connections among the youth of different regions of India.

Centred around the five pillars of Parampara (Tradition), Pradyogiki (Technology), Pragati (Progress), Paraspar Sampark (people-to-people connect) and Paryatan (Tourism), the programme will introduce the visiting students to West Bengal's technological achievements, cultural heritage, ecological diversity, spiritual traditions, industries and communities.

The delegation began its journey at the historic campus of IIT Kharagpur, where the students were welcomed before being introduced to the Institute's academic and research ecosystem. Visits to advanced laboratories is going to offer them a glimpse into cutting-edge research and technological innovation at the Institute. The opening programme also celebrates Bengal's vibrant cultural traditions through Rabindrasangeet, traditional dance, Chhau and Baul music, bringing together technology, tradition and interpersonal exchange.

On October 8, the delegation is scheduled to visit Lok Bhavan and interact with the  Governor of West Bengal. The students will be accompanied by Nodal Officer Dr. Gayatri Mukherjee, Co-Nodal Officer Dr. Rajlakshmi Guha, and IIT Kharagpur officials Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Mr. Samba Kar, Ms. Sangita Mondal and Mr. Ishaan Ahmad. The delegation will subsequently explore prominent landmarks of Kolkata before travelling to the Sundarbans.

On October 9, the delegates will experience the unique mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans through a boat safari, offering them an opportunity to understand one of India's most remarkable ecological landscapes and its extraordinary biodiversity.

The programme on October 10 will bring together India's spiritual heritage and contemporary progress. The delegation will visit Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission and a place deeply associated with Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This will be followed by a visit to an industrial park, providing the students with an exposure to West Bengal's industrial and economic landscape.

On October 11, the delegates will travel to Bishnupur, renowned for its terracotta temples, distinctive architectural heritage and traditional Baluchari silk. They will subsequently return to IIT Kharagpur for an interaction with the Director of IIT Kharagpur, followed by a gala dinner, further strengthening the bonds developed during the exchange.

The journey will continue on 12 October with an interaction at a nearby tribal village, enabling the visiting students to experience local traditions, community life and cultural practices. The delegation will then travel towards the coastal belt of Digha–Tajpur, marking a striking geographical transition from their Himalayan homeland to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. A yoga session by the sea and interactions with local communities will further enrich their experience.

The programme will conclude on October 13 with a valedictory session at IIT Kharagpur, providing the delegates and their hosts an opportunity to reflect upon the experiences, friendships and insights gained during the week before the Uttarakhand delegation begins its journey home.

Yuva Sangam Phase VII at IIT Kharagpur represents much more than a journey between two states. From the Himalayan landscape of Uttarakhand to the mangroves, heritage towns, communities and coastline of West Bengal, the initiative seeks to bring young Indians closer through direct experiences and meaningful interactions.

Through Parampara, Pradyogiki, Pragati, Paraspar Sampark and Paryatan, the programme celebrates India's extraordinary diversity while reinforcing the shared bonds of national identity, mutual understanding and friendship.

From Uttarakhand to West Bengal, from the mountains to the sea — Yuva Sangam is going to celebrate the spirit of a connected India.

 

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