Mumbai, 23 March 2022
The 13th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme was inaugurated in Mumbai on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day today 23rd March 2022. Inspector General Police, CRPF, Western Sector, Mumbai, Randeep Dutta PMG inaugurated the event at a formal ceremony at Mumbai University, today.
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Maharashtra & Goa, in coordination with Central Reserve Police Force, Western Sector, Mumbai is organising the week-long Tribal Youth Exchange Programme from 22 to 28 March 2022. The objectives of the programme are to provide an opportunity to the tribal youth of selected states and districts to visit different places of the country to understand the cultural ethos, language and lifestyles of the people, depicting unity in diversity of our national life. The programme is also to expose tribal youth to the technological and industrial developments taken place in different states of the country, with focus on various development activities, and educational, skill development and employment opportunities available there.
“As you grow, your vision should grow wider,” said Inspector General Police, CRPF, WS, Mumbai, Randeep Dutta PMG. He spoke about unity in diversity and how CRPF is an example in itself. He also asked the students to come ahead and join CRPF and take this message of National Integration across the country. “Even if two tribal students come forward and join the para military force, I would consider my participation in this event as successful,” he said. He also spoke about the growing women’s participation in every field. “CRPF conducted cycle rallies that went from Gadchiroli to Kevadia, Gujarat in which 50% of the participants were women,” he mentioned.
He also instilled confidence in students that channelling their effort and energy in the right direction can take them to great places in life. He encouraged the youth to plant trees wherever they live and also spoke about the significance of water and energy conservation.
Commandant, WS, HQ, Mumbai, Indrani Yadav spoke about the significance of gender-equal society and how CRPF is a good example of the same. She encouraged the students to come forward and join the force. She motivated the students especially girls to dream big by citing her own example. “I am from a small village in Rajasthan, where there was not even road connectivity. But at a very small age I realised the importance of becoming independent; the very thought drove me to achieve greater things in life,” she said. She also spoke about various opportunities that CRPF has offered her – including the mountaineering expedition.
State Director, NYKS, Maharashtra & Goa, Prakash Kumar Manure spoke about the significance of such exchange programme for the Tribal Youth. “Such programmes give exposure to our tribal youth especially those from districts affected by Left Wing Extremism. Similar programmes are being organised across the country. Our tribal youth from Gadchiroli district are visiting Kerala and Tami Nadu as part of this.”
President, RCWA – CRPF Welfare Association, Ritu Dutta encouraged students to start making efforts when they are young. “Results of any struggle is always beautiful,” she said. She also mentioned the importance of saving water and energy for a better future.
“Let us learn to accept the people as they are,” Professor & Head, Physical Education Department, Mumbai, Vasanthi Kadhiravan advised the students. She also encouraged them to observe and follow the good qualities of every human being they come across daily. “Along with education, personality development, leadership skills, interpersonal relations are also very important to progress in life.”
Deputy Director NYK, Mumbai & Pune, Yashwant Mankhedkar said that there is a lot to learn from the tribal youth who fight many challenges to get ahead in life.
More than 220 tribal youths, from Bihar and Telangana participated in the inaugural event. They also performed state specific tribal dances during the programme.
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PIB Mumbai | DJM/Dhanalakshmi/DR
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