Jyotiraditya Scindia interacts with Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme students

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia interacts with first batch of Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme students

Programme Overview
- Event: Interaction with the first batch of Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme students
- Date: 12 November 2025
- Chair: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
- Venue: Virtual interaction hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Arunachal Pradesh
- Participants:
- 39 students (19 from Goa, 20 from Uttarakhand) visiting Arunachal Pradesh
- Officials from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), North Eastern Council (NEC), and RGU

Purpose of the Programme
- Designed to deepen national integration and strengthen bonds between youth from different regions.
- Part of the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Involves 1,280 students in 40 batches from 28 states/UTs visiting all Northeastern states.
- Focuses on cultural appreciation, language immersion, environmental awareness, and community life.

Highlights from Scindia’s Interaction
- Encouraged students to carry forward the spirit of unity and inclusivity.
- Recalled his visit to Ziro Valley, describing it as a place where “time slows down just enough for you to listen to the earth.”
- Engaged warmly with students:
- Asked Saumya Bisht (Uttarakhand) if she would bring family/friends next time — she replied “Both.”
- Spoke briefly in Marathi with Rucha Parab (Goa), surprising the group.
- Responded to reflections on India’s diversity by saying: “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on this bhawna to the next generation.”
- Students suggested more field visits and exploration of diverse tribes and lifestyles in Arunachal Pradesh.

Closing Remarks
- Scindia called the students the “torchbearers of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, urging them to share their experiences widely.
- Emphasized that the Northeast needs not just tourists, but friends who understand and celebrate its culture.
- Positioned the programme as part of the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

✨ This initiative beautifully blends education, culture, and national integration, giving young people firsthand exposure to India’s diversity.