The Orissa youth team in front of the youth hostel at Paltan Bazar. Picture by Biju Boro

Feb. 25: It is not their home but still they find Guwahati, with its natural beauty and hospitality, a home away from home.

A group of youths from Orissa have been bowled over by the charms of the city. During their brief sojourn here as part of a youth exchange programme, they have been busy visiting the tourist hotspots of the city.

“We are having a ball. It has been so much fun as well as a new learning experience,” says Sunita Hansda, the girls’ leader.

The exchange programme, organised by the department of sports and youth services, government of Orissa, comprises a 20-member students’ team of 11 boys and nine girls. The team is from the rural belt of Orissa and some of them even hold the portfolio of the panchayat president.

“The main purpose of such an exchange programme is to have an interaction between the youngsters of two different regions and help them know each others’ culture better,” says Ashok Basumatary, one of the organisers.

The unique feature of this exchange programme is that they will be able to peek into an average Guwahatian’s life. As part of the family placement programme, the team will get the opportunity to interact with local families on a one-to-one basis.

“They will get a chance to spend an entire day in the city itself with the families of the volunteers looking after them,” said S.S. Roy, district sports officer.

There had already interacted with the students of the Government Ayurvedic College, where the visitors watched Bihu and Bodo dances.

In return, the Oriya visitors performed Odissi and tribal dances for their hosts.

The youngsters, who are currently lodged at the youth hostel in the Paltan Bazar area, have an interesting itinerary before them every day of their stay in the city.

Apart from the usual sightseeing of the Balaji temple, the Kamakhya temple and a visit to Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, these youths will also get a taste of rural life.

They will be placed under the care of 20 families in Digaru and spend a day there as part of the family placement programme.

Visits to the historical town of Hajo and to the seat of all silk activity, Sualkuchi, is also on the cards along with an interaction with the children of the SOS village.

On the penultimate day of their stay the students will attend a rural sports’ meet at Chaygaon. This meet will be inaugurated and attended by sports minister Robin Bordoloi.

“We feel as if we are in our state itself. It’s a home away from home,” said S.K. Mangaraj, leader of the boys.

The local clubs Penguin and Rhino Dx_ing, who are looking after the students, have taken up the responsibility of imparting Bihu lessons to them. Every evening Bihu is taught to the youngsters by Kumud Nath, a dancer himself.

On the concluding day, February 27, the main cultural function will be held at Nehru Stadium, which will also be attended by the sports minister.