Delhi University welcomes Tamil Nadu students for 'Yuva Sangam' phase 7 initiative

NEW DELHI: A delegation of students and teachers from the Central University of Tamil Nadu arrived at Delhi University for the seventh phase of 'Yuva Sangam', an initiative promoting cultural exchange and national integration, officials said on Tuesday. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Vice-Regal Lodge on the DU campus under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' programme of the Union Ministry of Education. 

Welcoming the delegation, Delhi University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said Tamil Nadu has made a significant contribution to India's culture and civilisation. He said language and forms of expression did not divide the country, adding that people across states share a common national identity. "Expressions and languages may differ, but the country remains the same, and the people are the same," Singh said. Describing Delhi as representative of the entire country, he told the visiting students they hadn't travelled to a different place but had moved from one beautiful part of India to another. 

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Highlighting Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage, Singh referred to its ancient language, literature, classical music, devotional traditions and historical legacy. He encouraged the students to make at least five lasting friendships during their stay in Delhi and maintain those connections after returning to Tamil Nadu. 

Singh also urged the youth to understand the country, develop a sense of belonging and contribute to its progress, saying such programmes brought together diverse cultures, traditions and ideas. Professor KP Singh, director of Gandhi Bhawan at DU and nodal officer for the programme, described 'Yuva Sangam' as a key component of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative. 

He said the programme was not merely a journey but an effort to connect different parts of the country through linguistic and cultural exchanges. Several senior university officials, including Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges; Geeta Bhatt, Director of the Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board; Ranjan Tripathi, Dean of Student Welfare; and Niranjan Kumar, Dean of Planning, along with principals of various DU-affiliated colleges, attended the event.