Centre for Escalation of Peace (CEP) in collaboration with Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) and Pallavan Learning Systems (PLS), organized the second India-Bhutan Youth Summit from September 3 to 12, 2019 in Delhi & Uroli, India.
Eleven participants from Bhutan and ten participants from India came together for the summit that is aimed at enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the youth regarding the importance of building India-Bhutan friendship through meaningful conversations on various aspects of India-Bhutan collaboration. Concurrently, the summit seeks to create a pool of potential ambassadors of this special relationship in both the countries who will carry forward the collaboration.
The ten-day programme was structured in a manner where learning experiences would incorporate a combination of academics and adventure. The Uroli segment of the programme included interactive sessions on leadership with INME facilitator Gaurav Saklani, a three-day trek across the pristine Indian landscape in the state of Uttarakhand, and discussions amongst the participants on core issues. In Delhi, the participants visited the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Ritinjali community outreach centres, and Drishyakala museum. In addition, there were meetings between the participants and relevant people in India. The comprehensive itinerary was designed to provide ample opportunities for the participants to form everlasting bonds and to gain a better understanding of the two countries.
The discussions during the Uroli segment of the programme revolved around:
- What do I know about the other country and what would I like to learn more?
- What information about my country can I impart?
- As a global citizen, what are some of the issues that concern me and are relevant to my future?
- As a global citizen, what are some of my hopes and dreams for the planet and humanity?
- What are my perspectives regarding my country’s society, governance and policies?
- What about my country am I most proud of?
- What about my country am I concerned about?
- What are some of my hopes and desires for myself and the future?
- What am I committing to ensure that future?
At the end of the summit, the candidates shared their experiences and learning in a form of group presentations. They also composed an original song to celebrate the summit. In addition to giving detailed feedback on the summit, they were asked to submit a programme report detailing their individual journey during the summit. It is expected that the participants will go on to become successful spokespersons and ambassadors of the India-Bhutan Youth Summit community that will continue to grow over the years.
To read the detailed report about the programme, please click here.
Click here to watch the Short Film on India Bhutan Youth Summit 2019.
If you would like more information about the programme, please write to us at contact@cepeace.org