Garhwal Post Bureau
Srinagar (Garhwal), 27 Oct: Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU), Srinagar Garhwal, accorded a warm and traditional welcome to the youth delegation from West Bengal under Phase-7 of the Yuva Sangam programme, organised as part of the Government of India’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The welcome and interaction programme was held at the Academic Activity Centre, Chauras Campus, with the objective of promoting cultural understanding, academic exchange and national integration between the two states.
The programme commenced with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by a traditional welcome ceremony in which the delegates were greeted with tilak and floral garlands. Srinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Aarti Bhandari attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Narayan Singh Panwar presided over the event. State Nodal Officer for Yuva Sangam Prof. Mahavir Singh Negi, Dean of Recruitment and Promotion Prof. Mohan Singh Panwar, Registrar Prof. Y.P. Raivani, faculty members from West Bengal and members of the university’s organising committee were also present.
The guests presented the delegates with mementoes and special kits containing T-shirts, diaries and other essential items as a token of welcome.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Aarti Bhandari said that Yuva Sangam is an important initiative that brings the diverse cultures of India together. She expressed confidence that the visiting youth would gain first-hand exposure to Uttarakhand’s rich traditions, folk culture and warm hospitality. She added that such programmes strengthen inter-state fraternity and translate the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat into meaningful experiences.
Presiding over the programme, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Narayan Singh Panwar said that the integration of education and culture helps develop national consciousness and a broader outlook among young people. He observed that Yuva Sangam provides an opportunity for youth from different states to understand one another’s knowledge traditions, lifestyles and cultural heritage, thereby strengthening the cultural bonds between eastern and northern India.
Prof. Mahavir Singh Negi, State Nodal Officer for Yuva Sangam, welcomed the delegation and outlined the programme’s activities. He informed the gathering that an Uttarakhand delegation had earlier visited West Bengal to learn about its historical, cultural and educational heritage. As part of the ongoing exchange, the visiting delegates from West Bengal will be introduced to Uttarakhand’s educational institutions, cultural landmarks, technological centres and tourist destinations.
He emphasised that Yuva Sangam is not merely a journey but a meaningful platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and traditions.
Registrar Prof. Y.P. Raivani stated that Yuva Sangam plays a significant role in strengthening the spirit of unity in diversity. He added that the university administration had made the necessary arrangements to ensure the delegates’ comfort, safety and enriching learning experience.
Dean of Recruitment and Promotion Prof. Mohan Singh Panwar highlighted the rich cultural and natural heritage of both Uttarakhand and West Bengal. He said that the programme offers young people a valuable opportunity to understand each other’s academic and social environments, while fostering national integration and inclusive development.
Following the interaction session, the West Bengal delegation visited the university museum. The delegates explored exhibits showcasing Garhwal’s ancient art, geological specimens, historical artefacts and folk-cultural heritage. The visit offered them an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the history and cultural richness of the Garhwal region.
Faculty members accompanying the delegation from West Bengal included Dr. Laxman Singh Bisht, Dr. Suvarna Trivedi, Dr. Ambupati Mani Kalyani, Dr. Ekta Bharti and Dr. Sudhir Kumar.
