Santi Kasyap and Dipika Pandey from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, travelled by train for the first time in their lives when they came to Bengaluru to participate in the 7th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme that started on Sunday and will go on till Friday.
Speaking here at Yavanika, the State Youth Centre, where 250 young people from different tribal communities of Chhattisgarh showcased dances of their regions to an enthusiastic audience, Santi wished Bijapur was like Bengaluru. Dipika said: “Bijapur lacks roads, electricity and most importantly, education.” The event was organised by the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) to wean away youth from Naxalism.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, S. Satheese, Zonal Director, NYKS, Karnataka Zone, said that the event was aimed at giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent, give them exposure to opportunities open for them and to guide them away from divisive forces.
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“We are selling new dreams to them,” Mr. Satheese added.