Mysuru: The six-day 15th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme came to an end with organisers distributing mementos and participation certificates to more than 200 tribal youths, during the valedictory ceremony held at Kaveri Auditorium at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises, in city on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Nehru Yuva Kendra Regional Director (Southern States) M.N. Nataraj called upon the tribal youths to create awareness at their respective hamlets regarding the importance of cordial and harmonious living, the one they had displayed during their stay in Mysuru.

“India has about 45 crore youth population who are in the age group of 15-29 years. The USA had majority youth population about 250 years back and with India having more youths compared to other countries now, the world is watching us. In the days to come, Indians would be dominating in all sectors,” he added.

Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYES) Deputy Director Manjula, who spoke at the event, said that the programme was organised to promote unity and brotherhood.

Hunsur-based NGO Development through Education (DEED) Director S. Srikanth, Dr. Madhusudan and Dr. Ningaraju of University of Mysore, District Youth Officer Abhishek Chavre and others were present during the occasion.

About 200 tribal youths from eight States including Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh took part in the programme jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, DYES, Government of Karnataka, KSOU, CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and BSF (Border Security Force).