Punjab students experience unforgettable Mumbai trip

Four students from Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar, Punjab, got the incredible opportunity to visit Mumbai and explore the city as part of the “Yuva Sangam” programme initiated by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Government of India. These students were among the 45 participants from across Punjab who embarked on a captivating journey that left a lasting impact on their lives.

Yuva Sangam is an initiative under the Government of India’s ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ campaign that conducts “exposure tours” between two states for youngsters. The youth from one state visit its paired state for an immersive experience across five broad areas — Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogik (Technology).

The participants, between the ages 18-30, reached Mumbai for a fully sponsored five-day tour to acquaint themselves with the culture and heritage of the city. They were hosted by IIT Bombay, which was chosen as the nodal institute for the trip.

MBA student Harsh Dubey from AIMETC said he was working on his thesis when his dean called and asked him to fill out the application form immediately. “At least 20 students from our college had applied for the trip, of which four of us were shortlisted.”

Describing the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, Harsh expressed his delight. “It was an amazing journey filled with magnificent experiences. We received a warm welcome and had the privilege of meeting distinguished personalities, exploring popular tourist attractions, and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Being chosen among the 45 students from Punjab was truly a stroke of luck. This was my first visit to Mumbai, and it left an indelible impression.”

The students’ visit included a nature walk in the jungle area of IIT-Bombay and serene moments spent by the lakeside. They also visited the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad, where they gained insights into the operations and processes of these esteemed houses. Interactions with influential personalities like the Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bais, and AICTE Chairman, TG Sitharam, added to their memorable journey.

A visit to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) provided the students with valuable insights into its functioning, while a visit to the World Heritage site Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus left an everlasting impression. The students also explored Kanheri caves and interacted with esteemed individuals like Padma Shree Awardee Professor Deepak Phatak, which further enriched their knowledge and understanding.

For Kamalpreet Kaur, a BTech student who had never travelled outside of Punjab before, the trip was a transformative experience. She shared, “As a CSE student, staying at IIT Bombay and immersing myself in its labs and infrastructure while interacting with the exceptional faculty and students was truly remarkable. Additionally, I relished the delicious Maharashtrian cuisine and was fascinated by the culture as well. This journey instilled in me a sense of oneness and togetherness. I have developed a profound admiration for the people of Maharashtra, and this trip will forever hold a special place in my heart. I must say, ‘Bharat is ek and Bharat is shreshth‘.”

Another participant, Akansha Tyagi, a BTech (CSE) student, expressed her gratitude for the unforgettable experience. “Accompanied by 44 fellow students from various parts of Punjab, I had the lovely opportunity to travel to Mumbai — the City of Dreams — through the remarkable Yuva Sangam programme initiated by the government. IIT Bombay graciously hosted us, and the vibrant city offered us an enthralling journey. It’s hard to capture everything in words, but this extraordinary adventure will forever be cherished as a priceless memory in my heart,” Akansha shared.

The students’ testimonies reflect the profound impact the Mumbai trip had on their lives. They not only had the privilege of exploring IIT Bombay and its facilities but also delved into the historical milestones, cultural heritage, and contemporary accomplishments of Maharashtra. The visit to significant landmarks like the iconic Asiatic Library and fort area, provided a glimpse into the rich architectural heritage of Mumbai. Additionally, interacting with Maharashtrian families through the “Buddy system dinner” allowed the students to deepen their understanding of the local culture, language, cuisine, customs, and traditions.

Dr Rajesh Bagga, Director, AIMETC, extended his congratulations to all the students and acknowledged the significance of the Yuva Sangam programme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his pride in having four students selected for this prestigious programme and highlighted the significance of the opportunities for interaction with influential personalities.

For AIMETC students, this journey served as a catalyst for personal growth, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse heritage of India.