Itanagar, Feb 19: The five-day Inter District Youth Exchange Programme organised by Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat, Papumpare, concluded successfully at Don Bosco Youth Center here on Thursday.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of youth delegates from various districts, promoting cultural exchange, leadership development, and national integration.
On February 17, participants visited the vibrant Nyokum Yullo celebrations at DNGC, Itanagar. The youth observed traditional rituals performed by Nyishi priests, witnessed colourful folk dances and cultural performances, and learned about the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival. They also interacted with members of the local community to gain deeper insights into indigenous traditions and customs, experiencing the unity and collective spirit of tribal celebrations.
Following the festival visit, Porsum Ori, founder of Let’s Speak Arunachal NGO, conducted an engaging session on communication skills and public speaking. She emphasised building confidence, overcoming stage fear, the importance of clarity, voice modulation and body language, and highlighted communication as a vital tool for leadership, personality development, and youth empowerment.
On February 18, participants undertook a trekking expedition to Poma Hills, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and bonding amidst nature. A special highlight of the day was the “Cuisine and Culinary – Cook Your Own” activity, where participants prepared and shared popular dishes from their respective districts. The activity fostered cultural exchange through food, encouraged collaboration, enabled cross-learning of diverse culinary traditions, and strengthened unity among youth from different backgrounds. The day concluded with vibrant tribal song performances celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the state.
The closing ceremony held on Thursday featured experience-sharing by participants, who reflected on their learnings, friendships, and cultural exposure during the programme. Certificates were distributed by Abhishek Mandal, Deputy Director, MY Bharat, Papumpare, and Bharghav Jyoti Bhuiyan, Project Assistant (Disaster Management). They appreciated the active participation of the youth and encouraged them to act as ambassadors of unity, leadership, and cultural harmony in their respective districts.
The five-day programme concluded on a high note, reinforcing the spirit of national integration, cultural appreciation, and youth empowerment among participants.