Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually interacted with the 11th batch of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, which is being hosted at Sikkim University from nine to 22 February 2026. The batch includes 22 students from Chandigarh and 15 students from Tamil Nadu and the session included officials from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the North Eastern Council (NEC). The programme is organised and funded by the Ministry through the NEC to deepen national integration and strengthen bonds among young people from different regions.

The Ashtalakshmi Darshan programme offers a 14-day immersive schedule of academic sessions, heritage tours and local community interactions designed to promote mutual understanding and cultural appreciation. The scheme envisages participation of 1280 students across 32 batches from 28 states and union territories to visit and experience the north eastern states. So far 390 students have taken part in 10 completed batches and a further 81 students are participating in two ongoing batches.

The minister emphasised that the programme promotes equal participation of boys and girls, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, and described the exchange as a cultural and educational initiative under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that connects youth from the rest of the country with the eight northeastern states. He highlighted tourism potential in the region and noted that Sikkim offers significant prospects for sustainable tourism and livelihoods. Students reported meaningful learning and a deeper appreciation of local traditions, language and environment.

The minister urged participants to share their experiences about the people, traditions and natural beauty of Sikkim with family and friends and to carry forward the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The programme is presented as part of a wider vision to help students experience authentic culture and to promote cultural integration and youth engagement in pursuit of a developed Bharat by 2047. Officials said the exchange continues to reflect government commitment to national unity and cooperative spirit.