Mysuru: “Compared to other nations, India is unique. Its culture and history are popular across the world,” said Utkirbek, who is leading the 22-member youth delegation to city as part of Youth Exchange Programme initiated by the Union Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He was speaking after being welcomed by Nehru Yuva Kendra and Mysore Travels Association at Youth Hostel in city yesterday.

Stating that his country’s literacy rate is almost 98%, Utkirbek said that nearly 90% of the youngsters prefer pursuing higher education and added that the Uzbekistan Government is trying to provide employment to nearly one million youngsters.

Apart from visiting tourist spots such as Mysore Palace and Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam, the 22-member team will be visiting a pharmaceutical industry at Nanjangud and the Infosys Mysuru campus for which Mysuru Travels Association has made necessary transport arrangements for the Uzbek delegation.

Nehru Yuva Kendra District Youth Co-ordinator M.N. Nataraj said that India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 27 countries including Uzbekistan for youth-exchange programmes and added that youth from these countries will have an opportunity to learn about our tradition and culture, besides visiting various tourist spots.

He said that Indian youth will be touring Uzbekistan next year and delegates will include outstanding students from IIMs, IITs and the Nehru Yuva Kendra.

President of Mysuru Travels Association B.S. Prashanth and Dean of University of Mysore Rudraiah were among those who welcomed the Uzbekistan youth delegation.