The second phase of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program, known as Yuva Sangam, was inaugurated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur. Conceived by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat aims to foster cultural exchange and unity among the states of India. The Yuva Sangam program specifically focuses on organizing exposure tours for students and youth from different regions of the country. In this instance, NIT Raipur has been linked with NIT Nagaland, and a group of 42 representatives from NIT Nagaland are currently visiting Chhattisgarh.
During their visit, the Nagaland delegates had the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. On the second day of the program, they visited the renowned Ambuja Mall in Raipur, where they enjoyed various games and shopping, adding a touch of fun to their experience.
The third day of the program took the delegates to Sirpur, a historically and culturally significant tourist attraction. The group first visited the magnificent Laxman Temple, where a tourist guide shared the rich history of Sirpur and the cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. The temple, built in accordance with Vastu Shastra, houses inscriptions and idols depicting various Hindu deities and incarnations of Sanatan Dharma. The guide also emphasized the representation of women in the temple’s artwork.
The students were further enthralled by their visit to the 1400-year-old Buddhist Vihara. They marveled at the impressive six-and-a-half-feet-tall idol of Lord Buddha, ancient water storage systems, traditional air conditioning methods, the Amrapali structure, captivating tribal dances, and iron inscriptions. The site offered a glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region.
The delegates also had the privilege of visiting the Pancharath Shiv Temple, an ancient west-facing stone temple and a significant landmark in Chhattisgarh. The students learned about the temple’s unique name, derived from its 36 steps, and were introduced to the idols of Lord Shiva and Ganesha. The temple, designed in accordance with Vastu Shastra and scientific principles, stood as a testament to the region’s architectural prowess.
The visit to Sirpur left a positive impact on the Nagaland delegates, offering them insights into the natural beauty and cultural history of Chhattisgarh. In the days ahead, the delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Governor’s House, explore Raipur and Naya Raipur, and participate in various recreational activities, further strengthening the bond between Nagaland and Chhattisgarh through cultural exchange.
The Yuva Sangam program continues to promote unity and cultural understanding among the youth, fostering a sense of pride in India’s diverse heritage and paving the way for a stronger and more harmonious nation.
