Two National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from GITAM Deemed to be University in Visakhapatnam have been selected for the 2026 International Youth Exchange Programme [1].
This selection places the students in a high-profile role as cultural ambassadors for India. The program aims to foster international diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding through youth leadership and exchange initiatives.
Velaga Mohit Mourya and Swarna Kolagotla were the two [1] cadets chosen from the university to participate in the initiative. The program, designated as YEP-2026 [2], involves a rigorous selection process to identify students capable of representing the nation's heritage and values on a global stage.
The cadets will operate as cultural ambassadors, sharing Indian traditions and perspectives with international peers. This role requires the students to engage in diplomatic dialogue and cultural presentations to bridge the gap between different nations, a core objective of the NCC's international outreach.
Selection for the 2026 program was announced in 2024 [1]. The process identifies candidates who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence within the NCC framework at GITAM Deemed to be University. The university's location in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, serves as the home base for these students as they prepare for their international duties.
By participating in YEP-2026, the cadets will engage in structured exchanges designed to enhance their global perspective. These activities are intended to build lifelong networks between Indian youth and their counterparts in participating countries, strengthening bilateral ties through grassroots engagement.
“Two NCC cadets from GITAM Deemed to be University in Visakhapatnam have been selected for the 2026 International Youth Exchange Programme.”
The selection of university-level NCC cadets for the YEP-2026 program reflects India's strategy of using youth diplomacy to project soft power. By appointing students as cultural ambassadors, the government leverages the NCC's disciplined structure to ensure that the representatives are not only culturally literate but also capable of maintaining official diplomatic standards during international engagements.
