47 students from Odisha call on Chief Minister

SHIMLA 5 October, 2026

As part of the Youth Exchange Programme, a group of 47 students from 32 districts of Odisha, currently visiting Himachal Pradesh, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. The students, aged between 18 and 30 years, are pursuing various undergraduate, postgraduate and other courses in Odisha. Their visit to Himachal Pradesh commenced on 3rd October and will continue till 8th October. During their stay, they have visited NIT Hamirpur, Shimla and will visit other prominent destinations in the state, including IIT Mandi, Atal Tunnel and Jwalamukhi Temple.

Welcoming the students to Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister enquired about their experiences during their visit. He said that the people of Himachal Pradesh are peace-loving and deeply rooted in the state’s rich ‘Dev Sanskriti’. He encouraged the students to work hard with dedication and sincerity to achieve their goals.

The students also honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a traditional ‘Sambalpuri Uttariya’ and a Dhokra art painting, representing Odisha’s rich cultural and handicraft heritage. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the students and appreciated the traditional gifts presented by them.

The Youth Exchange Programme aims to familiarise students with the rich culture and history of Himachal Pradesh, as well as the state’s development journey. The programme also provides an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange among youth from different states, thereby strengthening the spirit of national unity and integration.

As part of the same programme, around 50 students from Himachal Pradesh will visit Odisha from 12 to 19th October.