Tribal youth exchange programme aims to empower youth through exposure

The 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme , being organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports , seeks to empower tribal youth by providing exposure, confidence-building opportunities and awareness about democratic institutions and government welfare schemes, officials said on Tuesday.

The programme, to be held at the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences from January 15 to 21 , will bring together 200 tribal youths from vulnerable and sensitive regions of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Odisha . Sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs , the participants will be accompanied by escort officers from the BSF, ITBP and CRPF .

Officials explained that such exchange programmes play a crucial role in empowering tribal youth by taking them beyond their immediate social and geographical environment. Exposure to urban centres, educational institutions and governance structures helps reduce isolation, broadens perspectives and introduces participants to opportunities available in education, skills and employment.

Interaction with youth from different states, university faculty, government officials and security personnel helps build confidence, communication skills and leadership qualities , enabling participants to engage more actively with society. Sessions on constitutional values, democratic rights, national integration and communal harmony are designed to strengthen civic awareness and encourage informed participation in public life.

A key component of the programme is spreading awareness about central government schemes related to education, skill development, entrepreneurship, employment and livelihood generation. Officials noted that lack of information often prevents tribal communities from accessing welfare benefits, and the programme aims to bridge this gap.

The inclusion of sessions on women empowerment is intended to encourage greater participation of tribal girls and young women in education and economic activities. Cultural exchanges and field visits are also expected to foster mutual understanding, promote national integration and instill a sense of belonging to the national mainstream.

University officials said the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” , as empowering tribal youth is essential for inclusive development. Exposure visits, including a planned interaction with the Governor of West Bengal at Raj Bhavan , are aimed at building trust between tribal communities and state institutions.

Officials emphasised that participants are expected to return to their home regions as more informed, confident and motivated individuals, capable of contributing to the social and economic development of their communities.