The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India, organized a visit of the Indian Youth Delegation to China from 20^th -30^th September, 2011 in which 500 youth delegates from Political Parties, Academics, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Folk and Cultural Artists, Media, Chinese studies, Volunteers of National Services Scheme and National Youth Corps got an opportunity to represent their country from diverse fields. The exchange programme involved interaction with the local youth, visits to tourist and cultural sites, rural areas and introduction to economic and social activities, all aimed at sending positive signals on the state of bilateral ties amidst reports of recent strains.

Ms. Nandita Gupta , a student of The IIS University, Jaipur was  nominated by the university and was selected by the NSS Regional Centre, Jaipur among the five volunteers  from the state of Rajasthan, to join the Indian Youth Delegation to China from 20^th -30^th  September, 2011.

The programme commenced at Chinese Embassy, New Delhi  on 19^th September ( the eve of the delegation’s departure to China), with a Cultural Performance by the delegates. The delegation was divided into 3 different groups, as they traversed to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Nanjing during their 10-day stay in China.

An interaction with Chinese youth took place in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People, with the Chinese Premier and  top Chinese leaders that attended the Cultural evening. The delegates showcased a plethora of events such as Folk and Classical dance, Hindustani Classical and Instrumental Music, Yoga, Mehandi and also witnessed various forms of arts famous in China.

The group also enjoyed visiting the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and the famous Chinese Theatre.

Later the delegation flew to Nanjing where they visited the Nanjing University of Science and Technology and learnt about the resource structure that contributes to the country’s technological developments. Followed by the University visit were tours to the Software Park, the Electronic Company and Information & Technology Industry. It was a great learning experience for the group as they interacted with the CEO of the company and exchanged information about India’s ever increasing contribution to the IT sector.

The delegation was given a welcome banquet by Jiangsu Youth Federation and the Chinese Youth at Shanghai where the Chinese artists displayed various forms of dance and musical shows.

The delegation further proceeded to Shanghai and visited the Bao Steel Factory and saw the Steel production, moulding, and manufacturing. Later the group ventured the Oriental Oasis Sports Training base - the training centre for players and sportspersons who practice for National Sports events like the Olympics. The group then arrived to the Oriental Pearl Tower and enjoyed the Shanghai City Historical Development Exhibition which was a glimpse to the Chinese history and culture.

In the evening the Shanghai Youth Federation gave a lavish Banquet Dinner to the delegation, which was a great treat with cultural music and dance performances.

The trip was a great learning experience which provided a unique platform for the performing artists to showcase their talents and also contributed in a major way to enhance the relations between the two countries through art and culture - which was the very essence of the cultural exchange program.