Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with Yuva Sangam delegation on June 1.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar interacted with the Yuva Sangam delegation from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, currently visiting Kerala, on the IIM Kozhikode campus on Monday (June 1), underscoring the importance of youth-led cultural exchange in strengthening national integration and promoting a deeper understanding of India’s diversity.Addressing the delegation of 33 students from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, the Governor highlighted the significance of the Union government’s Yuva Sangam initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, describing it as a powerful platform for building emotional bonds among the youth of the country. “Whenever India unites, India progresses. This is the essence of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” Mr. Arlekar said.He noted that programmes such as Yuva Sangam provide young citizens with an invaluable opportunity to learn from the strengths, achievements, and best practices of different States and apply those lessons in their own regions, however small the beginning may be. The Governor encouraged the delegates to look beyond tourism and experience the culture, traditions, history, and developmental achievements of the States they visit. He urged the participants to absorb the values and practices they encounter during the exchange and become catalysts of positive change upon returning home.Reflecting on Kerala’s achievements, Mr. Arlekar commended the State for its accomplishments in literacy, healthcare, social development, and preservation of cultural heritage. Describing Kerala as a State that truly lives up to its reputation as God’s Own Country, he observed that despite its geographical size, Kerala has emerged as a model for other States in several developmental indicators.The Governor also drew attention to Kerala’s efforts in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. He stressed the importance of maintaining ecological balance while pursuing development and praised the State for preserving its cultural and natural heritage even while accommodating significant tourism activity. Sustainable growth, he noted, should remain a priority for every State in the country. Published - June 01, 2026 09:10 pm IST
