‘Watan Ko Jano’ 2025: Uniting Kashmiri Youth Through Culture, Learning, and National Identity

Bridging Cultural Gaps for the Youth of Jammu & Kashmir

‘Watan Ko Jano’ 2025: Uniting Kashmiri Youth Through Culture, Learning, and National Identity: The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, a collaborative effort between the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to strengthen national unity by connecting underprivileged children from the Union Territory to the broader cultural and technological spectrum of India. Targeting youth under 18 from government-run care institutions, the programme organizes educational tours and cultural visits to various states, giving these young minds a closer view of India’s diversity and shared national identity.

Experiential Learning Beyond the Classroom

At the core of the programme lies the mission to promote national integration through real-world exposure. Participating children get the chance to explore India’s historic monuments, innovation centres like ISRO, and premier academic institutions. These journeys not only enhance learning but also build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging among the children, encouraging them to see themselves as part of a united, progressive nation.

Mission Youth and Mission Yuva: Enabling Self-Reliance

Alongside cultural exchanges, Mission Youth and Mission Yuva have emerged as impactful career-building initiatives in J&K. These schemes aim to equip young people with employable skills, promote entrepreneurship, and deliver financial literacy training. The programmes are aligned with national development goals, helping youth transition into the workforce and reducing gaps between education and employment in the region.

KYEP: Strengthening National Unity Through Peer Exchange

The Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP), managed by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), supports ‘Watan Ko Jano’ by fostering peer-to-peer learning experiences across states. Through art shows, cultural events, workshops, and factory visits, KYEP promotes friendships, inter-state harmony, and mutual respect. Participants also proudly showcase Kashmiri crafts, cuisine, and traditions, encouraging pride in their regional heritage while celebrating national unity.

Towards a Nationally Integrated and Skilled Generation

Through a blend of exposure visits, skills training, and exchange programmes, the government is paving the way for a more confident and nationally integrated generation of Kashmiri youth. These initiatives help tackle isolation, promote employment, and boost participation in the democratic and economic life of India—ensuring that unity in diversity becomes a lived experience for every young citizen.

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‘Watan Ko Jano’ 2025: Uniting Kashmiri Youth Through Culture, Learning, and National Identity