42 students accompanied by four faculty members from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, Chhattisgarh were in Nagaland from 15-19 June 2023 as part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Yuva Sangam Phase-II initiative, a Cultural Exchange Program. The team was hosted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland.

A statement from the Ministry of Education, Government of India said that during the week-long stay in the state, the students and faculty members explored the cultural heritage of Nagaland and participate in various cultural, technical and entertainment events.

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On 16 June, the Chhattisgarh delegates went to Kisama in Kohima and witnessed the tribal ‘morungs’. Then they headed to Khonoma and Dzüleke to witness the scenic beauty of the place. They were introduced with the state animal Mithun as well. Dr. Rosang Pongen, Nodal officer the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Nagaland state, briefed about the importance of Khonoma, which is the first green village of India. He also spoke about the final stand of Naga warriors during the Battle of Khonoma and the power of their resistance and act of bravery.

The delegates visited the Chumpo Museum at Sovima and witnessed ancient Naga articles on 17 June. They also visited stone park near Dimapur Airport. In the evening, the youths were exposed to Naga traditional cooking practices.

#YuvaSangam day 3:
Delegates from #Chhattisgarh explored the #Chumukedima‘s Chumpo Museum & learned traditional cooking at a local household. They had an opportunity to meet with Brigadier S. K. Shukla alumni of #NITRaipur(Chemical – 1995 batch).@EBSB_Edumin @EBSB_YuvaSangam pic.twitter.com/mvlzy5N0PM

— National Institute of Technology Raipur (@NITRR) June 18, 2023

Students were assisted by two local cooks, Semerlepden Pongen of NIT Nagaland and Rezienuo Sokra of Chumou village. Items cooked during the practical session included chicken cooked inside bamboo, bamboo shoot chicken, mushroom chutney and sticky rice.

The host of the event, Neituolie Sokra and Kesovinuo Sokra of Chumou village were felicitated by Surendra Naik, from Ministry of Education and Dr Pongen, Nodal officer EBSB Nagaland state. Dr Pongen briefed about the passion and love of modern Nnga people who still thrives and protect the ancient traditional cooking practices.

On 18 June, delegates attended the Father’s Day program at Police Church Chümoukedima.

In the evening session, Chhattisgarh youths displayed cultural and traditional performances and acts. It included Chhattisgarh songs, dances and acts.

Dr Pongen also introduced the members with the recently launched NIT Nagaland staff band. The band members included Mikato on vocals and guitars, Daniel Yanger on lead guitar, Moa on drums and Sorenthung on bass. The motive behind the acoustic rock concert was to introduce the Chhattisgarh delegates with Naga people’s love and affinity towards western music which has become an important asset for connecting with people.

On Day 4 of #YuvaSangam Phase 2, a Cultural exchange programme was held at NIT Nagaland, in which delegates from #Chhattisgarh performed Chhattisgarhi dance and folk songs.#EkBharatShreshtaBharat #CGculture #NITRaipur#NITNagaland #AICTE @EBSB_YuvaSangam @EBSB_Edumin

(1/2) pic.twitter.com/6NfaW80SqN

— National Institute of Technology Raipur (@NITRR) June 19, 2023

On 19 June 2023, the delegates visited the ruins of Kachari kingdom. They also visited Super Market in Dimapur to witness and shop Naga organic fruits and vegetables. They were exposed with Naga handicrafts, bamboo crafts and handlooms during their visit to the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Limited in Dimapur. Later, they headed to the railway station to leave for Chhattisgarh.

Read more: Yuva Sangam: Students from Chhattisgarh arrive in Nagaland for week long Cultural Exchange Programme

Yuva Sangam: 42 students from Nagaland leave for Chhattisgarh to partake in culture exchange program

Yuva Sangam is an initiative launched by the Indian Government on 6 February 2023 to promote the cultural and communion of the Northeast Region with the rest of the country. Yuva Sangam is a multi-dimensional discloser tour of the Northeastern States through sightseeing, cultural exchange, and interactions. The host Higher Educational Institutions will exchange their students to accomplish the aim of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

This time Nagaland has been paired with Chhattisgarh, where the National Institute of Technology, Raipur (NITRR) will be the host Higher Educational Institution, while the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland is the guest Higher Educational Institution.