A group of 17-Punjabi-youth settled in UK recently arrived on a 10–day tour of Punjab to connect with their roots by visiting the birth place or the native village of their ancestors in Punjab.
While interacting with them at his official residence in Chandigarh, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh urged the visiting delegation to act as cultural ambassadors to complement and create awareness about the state’s growth story. “As you all have witnessed Punjab’s phenomenal growth first hand, I urge you to spread this positive message and dispel any false notions about the state’s law and order situation back in UK,” he said.
Expressing concern over the misconceptions being created by some vested interests about Punjab, he added, “Their visit has equipped the youth to judge for themselves the difference between the perception being built by some vested interests settled abroad and the actual situation on the ground in the state, which was a symbol of prosperity and peace.”
The visit of the delegation was supported by the state government under its ‘Connect with Your Roots’ (CYR) Programme’. The programme was launched in September 2017 with an aim to provide a platform to Indian youth settled abroad to connect with their roots by visiting the birth place or the native village of their ancestors in Punjab. This program aims to offer a unique opportunity to youth to acquaint themselves with the Punjab’s glorious culture and heritage besides visiting places of religious, historic and ethnic importance.
The first batch of youngsters had toured Punjab for ten days in August last year. The scheme is open to youth from U.K, Germany, France, Itally, Balgium, U.S.A and Canada.