Tribal Youth Drive Change Through Skills and Culture

My Bharat (NYK) State Director for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ansuman Prasad Das, said tribal youth are emerging as drivers of socio-economic change through education, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, while safeguarding their traditional heritage. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at GITAM Deemed to be University here on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, organized the program. Tribal youth from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha are participating. The initiative aims to expose them to technological and industrial progress and to familiarize them with India’s cultural diversity.

Mr. Das said tribal youth now play an active role in nation-building. He noted a clear shift from dependence on welfare schemes to participation in development. He stressed the need to blend modern skills with traditional knowledge. Such integration, he said, can create sustainable livelihoods and reduce development gaps.

Focusing on social equity, Mr. Das urged eligible tribal youth to make use of opportunities under the constitutional reservation system. He said awareness and access were key to ensuring inclusive growth. The programme, he added, gives special attention to youth from Left Wing Extremism-affected districts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

During the inaugural event, participants presented group songs and traditional dances. They wore traditional attire and performed to music led by indigenous instruments such as flutes and drums. The performances reflected the strong cultural roots of tribal communities.

My Bharat Visakhapatnam Deputy Director G. Maheswara Rao, ITBP Commandant Suraj Prakash Joshi, HPCL Skill Development Centre General Manager P. Vijayakumar, Consumer Court Judge Rehamunnisa Begam, GITAM NSS Coordinator Dr. S. V. G. Reddy, and others attended the programme.

The week-long exchange includes visits to industries and historical sites. It also features interactive sessions to broaden skills, outlook, and national awareness.