17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme to Empower Tribal Youths from Sensitive Regions across India. Pictures PIB/BS News.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency Kolkata, January 13, 2026: Mera Yuva Bharat initiative aims to Mainstream Tribal Communities through Exposure and Engagement
200 Tribal Youths from Vulnerable Districts to Participate in Week-long Programme in Kolkata
Mera Yuva Bharat West Bengal and Mera Yuva Bharat Kolkata North under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is organising 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, from January 15 to 21, 2026.
In a press conference by MY Bharat leadership and University officials today, it was announced that the programme will witness the participation of 200 tribal youths from vulnerable and sensitive regions of the country. The places from where these youths will be gathering include Kanker and Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand), and Kandhamal and Malkangiri (Odisha). Sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the participants will be accompanied by escort officers from BSF, ITBP and CRPF.
Miss Priyanka Ghosh, the District Youth Officer, and Shri Indrajeet Kumar, APA, Mera Yuva Bharat Kolkata North, pointed out that the Exchange Programme has been conceptualised to empower tribal youths by providing them meaningful exposure, confidence-building opportunities and a broader understanding of the nation’s social and democratic fabric.
Professors of West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Professor Subhashish Batabyal, and Professor Pradip Pal, along with officials, Dr K.C. Dhara and Dr. Sudip Pal stated that the initiative seeks to mainstream tribal communities who are most in need, enabling their active participation in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
During the programme, participants will be sensitised on national integration, patriotism, nation-building, communal harmony, democratic rights, and women empowerment, along with awareness on key Government of India schemes related to education, skill development, entrepreneurship, employment and livelihood generation. Cultural interactions, field visits and exposure to the rich heritage of West Bengal have also been planned, including a visit to Raj Bhavan and an interaction with the Governor of West Bengal, Dr C V Ananda Bose.