From Northeast India to Pune: How 50 Children Explored India’s Cultural Diversity

Kondhwa, 19th August 2026: Around 50 children and young people from Ishrat Bagh participated in an Independence Day cultural exchange organised under the AASRA programme of the Welfare Association of Youth (WAY), giving them an opportunity to learn about India’s diverse cultures, religions, tribal communities and traditions through the experiences of travellers who have explored different parts of the country.

The interaction sought to help participants look beyond their immediate surroundings and gain a broader understanding of the people, cultures and traditions that contribute to India’s social and cultural diversity.

Sri Mayasandra, who has travelled to nearly 40 countries in connection with humanitarian work, participated in the interaction along with his DISOM student and friend, Bungdon Thumpa, a native of a village along the India-Myanmar border.

Thumpa spent 15 months travelling across different states and cities in India as part of a leadership course. During the journey, he visited communities and learnt about their cultures, religions and traditions.

The session also focused on the significance of Independence Day and the struggle behind the freedom enjoyed today. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the responsibilities of young citizens and their role in contributing to a better India.

“The objective was cultural exchange. Children from Ishrat Bagh should get an opportunity to learn about different parts of India, including its cultures, religions and tribal communities. We also wanted them to understand that freedom should not be taken for granted and that there was a long struggle behind it. At the same time, attention needs to be given to the responsibilities children have towards building a better India,” said WAY founder Mohammad Saif.

“I have had a long association with communities in the Northeast, and having someone from the region as a guest to interact with our children was an honour. Both of them had rich experiences of learning about India’s cultures and diversity, travelling to remote parts of the country to explore local traditions,” Saif added.

Mayasandra said the participants remained engaged throughout the informal interaction, responding to questions and showing interest in the experiences of the guests.

“I enjoyed an informal interaction with about 50 young people. They were energetic, enthusiastic and engaged throughout, both responding to our questions and seeking to know more,” said Mayasandra.

“I was deeply touched by how warm and welcoming they were towards us, especially towards Bungdon, someone from Northeast India whom they were meeting for the first time,” he added.

The programme also featured music and dance performances by some of the participants.

The event was organised as part of WAY’s AASRA programme. WAY is a youth-led not-for-profit organisation that has been working with slum communities in Pune for more than eight years, focusing on education and livelihood opportunities for adolescents and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The organisation operates community centres in areas including Ishrat Bagh and Shivneri Nagar. Through its AASRA and Education Support programmes, it conducts daily and weekly learning activities, creative clubs, mentoring sessions and community events.

WAY’s programmes focus on education, life skills, leadership development and future livelihood opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities in Pune.