Thu Jan 01 17:49:59 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

Summary:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at GITAM University in Visakhapatnam, India, on January 1, 2026. The week-long program, aimed at tribal youth from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, focuses on exposing them to technology, industry, and India’s cultural diversity. It includes visits to industries and historical sites, as well as interactive sessions. Key speakers emphasized the importance of tribal youth as agents of change, leveraging education, entrepreneurship, and digital skills while preserving their heritage. The program particularly targets youth from Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts and encourages them to utilize constitutional reservation opportunities.

News Article:

Tribal Youth Exchange Programme Kicks Off in Visakhapatnam, Aiming to Empower Future Leaders

Visakhapatnam, India – January 1, 2026 – The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports inaugurated the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at GITAM Deemed to be University today, marking the start of a week-long initiative designed to empower tribal youth from across India.

Participants from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha will engage in a comprehensive program designed to broaden their horizons through exposure to technological advancements, industrial developments, and the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage. The program includes visits to industrial sites and historical landmarks, coupled with interactive sessions aimed at fostering new skills and perspectives.

Ansuman Prasad Das, Director of My Bharat for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, emphasized the crucial role tribal youth are playing in socio-economic transformation. “Tribal youth are emerging as powerful catalysts, effectively leveraging education, entrepreneurship, and digital skills while preserving their rich cultural heritage,” Das stated. He further noted the shift from passive beneficiaries of welfare schemes to active agents of change and inclusive nation-building.

The program specifically targets youth from Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, providing them with unique opportunities for growth and development. Organizers stressed the importance of social equity, urging eligible members of tribal communities to leverage the opportunities provided under the constitutional reservation system.

“By acquiring modern skills while respecting and integrating traditional knowledge, tribal youth can bridge development gaps, create sustainable livelihoods, and drive holistic progress within their communities,” Das concluded.

The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including My Bharat Visakhapatnam deputy director G. Maheswara Rao, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Commandant Suraj Prakash Joshi, HPCL Skill Development Centre General Manager P. Vijayakumar, and Consumer Court judge Rehamunnisa Begam. The program is expected to have a significant impact on the participants, fostering a sense of national pride and empowering them to become future leaders in their communities.

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