IIM Kozhikode, IIM Jammu collaborate for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ cultural tour
Kozhikode: A group of 39 students from Kerala and Lakshadweep has commenced an extensive cultural and educational journey to Jammu, travelling by rail as part of the Union government’s "Yuva Sangam" initiative.
The exchange program, a cornerstone of Phase VI of the Yuva Sangam project under the Ministry of Education’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) campaign, is a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode and IIM Jammu.
Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, formally saw off the delegation on Friday. Over the course of 11 days, including transit, the selected students will be accompanied by IIM Kozhikode faculty as they explore the social and cultural landscapes of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The enthusiastic participants departed from the Palakkad Railway Station at midnight on May 8 for a nearly 60-hour transit to the Jammu Tawi station. Covering more than 3,000 kilometres, the trip represents one of the longest rail journeys in the history of the Yuva Sangam program.
Fostering National Unity
Prof. Chatterjee extended his best wishes to the youth ambassadors, emphasising the role of the program in shaping future leaders.
"IIM Kozhikode is thrilled to play a proactive part in this nation-wide programme from the Ministry of Education, focused on nurturing the values of the future generation," Chatterjee said. "Yuva Sangam has come as a golden cultural exchange opportunity for students from Kerala to join this celebration of diversity and explore and appreciate the cultural richness of India, exemplified by the 5Ps of Yuva Sangam. I am hopeful these youth ambassadors from Kerala and Lakshadweep will also diligently share enlightening aspects of their home state with their counterparts and strengthen the bond between the two states, which have their own unique attributes."
The Delegation and Itinerary
The group features 38 students representing every one of Kerala’s 14 districts, along with one representative from the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The demographic breakdown includes 21 males and 18 females, comprising a mix of undergraduate, postgraduate, and off-campus youth.
Upon their arrival at IIM Jammu on May 11, the delegation will engage in a week of activities, including interactions with faculty, students, and high-ranking officials such as the Governor and Chief Minister.
The planned itinerary includes visits to several landmarks that highlight the "5 Ps" of the program—Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology). Key sites include:
- The Salal Hydro Project and the Chenab Rail Bridge (the world’s highest).
- Mubarak Mandi Palace, Bahu Fort, and Bagh-e-Bahu Garden.
- The Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Dogra Art Museum, and Mansar and Sanasar Lakes.
A Reciprocal Exchange
Yuva Sangam is designed to provide immersive experiences for youth through cross-state educational tours. Following the current visit, IIM Jammu will coordinate a reciprocal trip for a 50-member delegation from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
That group is scheduled to visit IIM Kozhikode from May 28 to June 5, 2026. The seven-day stay in Kerala will offer the visiting students an opportunity to experience the state’s distinct cultural heritage and natural environment.