Yuva Sangam Phase VII: Madhya Pradesh Delegation Meets Karnataka Governor, Explores Heritage and Education
Karnataka: A youth exchange programme saw the Madhya Pradesh delegation of Yuva Sangam Phase VII interacting with Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot as part of a wider educational and cultural immersion programme as the state's visit continued on October 1, 2026.
This Madhya Pradesh–Karnataka exchange falls within Yuva Sangam Phase VII, a youth exchange initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. The delegation was flagged off from Madhya Pradesh on September 26, 2026, with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal as the nodal institution.
Yuva Sangam Phase VII: Why the Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka Visit Matters
The programme is framed around experiential learning rather than just observing another state's culture from afar. The delegations travelling to Karnataka are getting a taste of its heritage, traditions, cuisine, landscapes and cultural diversity. The interaction with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot allowed the young delegates to learn about Karnataka's cultural heritage and discuss the role of youth in strengthening people-to-people connections and national integration.
For students and young participants, such interactions can offer a different take to formal education: history, culture and civic understanding can all be experienced rather than just being a topic in a textbook.
Madhya Pradesh Delegation Visits Bidar Fort and IIM Bengaluru
The Karnataka visit has seen a number of educational and cultural stops. The delegation visited Bidar Fort, which provided the participants exposure to the architectural and historical heritage of the region. The delegation also visited IIM Bengaluru, which brought in an academic and institutional element to the exchange.
An interaction with Padma Shri Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, known for his work in the traditional art of Bidriware, took place on September 30. This interaction focused on the art's legacy and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. The delegates also visited Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib, another aspect of Karnataka's diverse cultural and spiritual heritage.
What Is Yuva Sangam Phase VII?
Yuva Sangam is a youth exchange initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Phase VII pairs up different states and Union Territories through designated higher education institutions. The official pairing places Madhya Pradesh with Karnataka, with SPA Bhopal and Central University of Karnataka as the respective nodal institutions.
The programme is constructed around five thematic pillars:
Paryatan : Tourism
Parampara : Traditions and Culture
Pragati : Development and Governance
Paraspar Sampark : People-to-People Connect
Prodyogiki : Technology and Innovation
These five pillars allow for participants to experience a state through multiple lenses rather than limiting the exchange to tourism alone.
Yuva Sangam and Experiential Learning
The programme offers young participants exposure to educational institutions, innovation ecosystems, developmental initiatives, industries, heritage locations and local communities. An earlier official information mentioned that selected participants undertake five- to seven-day educational and cultural tours, with days of travel factored in.
This approach can be particularly useful for inclusive learning, as the participants will encounter different types of knowledge: academic, cultural, professional and community-based. A visit to an institution such as IIM Bengaluru can provide an academic angle while Bidar Fort and Bidriware offer a historical and traditional cultural angle.
Who Can Participate in Yuva Sangam?
Yuva Sangam Phase VII opened to Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 years, including higher education students, NSS/NYKS volunteers, employed or self-employed young people and others that met the programme's eligibility requirements. The Ministry has identified 20 higher education institutions as nodal institutions for Phase VII.
FAQs
Q1. What is Yuva Sangam Phase VII?
Yuva Sangam Phase VII is a youth exchange programme organised by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Q2. Which states are paired under the Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka Yuva Sangam exchange?
Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka are paired for Yuva Sangam Phase VII with SPA Bhopal and Central University of Karnataka as the nodal institutions.
Q3. When did the Madhya Pradesh delegation meet the Karnataka Governor?
The Madhya Pradesh delegation interacted with Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot on October 1, 2026.
Q4. When was the Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka delegation flagged off?
The Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka delegation was flagged off on September 26, 2026.
Q5. Which places did the delegation visit in Karnataka?
The delegation visited Bidar Fort, IIM Bengaluru and Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib and more.
Q6. Who is eligible for Yuva Sangam?
Yuva Sangam Phase VII was open to Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 years including students, NSS/NYKS volunteers and young professionals.
Q7. What are the five pillars of Yuva Sangam?
Paryatan, Parampara, Pragati, Paraspar Sampark and Prodyogiki: tourism, traditions, development, people-to-people connections and technology.
Q8. What is the objective of Yuva Sangam?
To foster and promote mutual understanding and people-to-people connect at grass-root level amongst youth of participating states and Union Territories through experiential learning process and culture exchange.
Click Here for More Latest News