Mangalore : A head of the formal valedictory ceremony of the five day seventeenth National Youth Festival, the participating youths of various states organized a colourful parade in front of the dais at Mangala Stadium on January 16, Monday.

The procession comprised of the participants thereby giving it truly “diversified” character of various states displaying the talent and cultural programmes activities of their state according to the theme of “Celebrating Diversity in Unity”.

The festival is being jointly organized by Central Government, Karnataka State Government, Nehru Yuva Kendra Organization and Rastriya Seva Yojana.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Karnataka D.V. Sadananda Gowda said that he had fear of the event management of the NYF but the elected representatives, district administration and media made it a huge success.

He also said that the Mangalore publics are ready to take any kind of programme and take it to the international level.

The event highlighted the image of Swami Vivekananda. The venue was jam packed the youths. The classical dance showcased the rich culture of the country with splendor. The Aharotsava and the yuvakrithi and water sports attracted the large youths.

The government of Karnataka is generous in giving the funds to the National Youth Festival, which helps in building the nation in future, he said.

He also said that he would allocate the budget for the youths in the state for organizing various youth festivals.

He said that the non-competitive cultural show was a hit with NYF participants and Mangaloreans thronging karavali maidan and other places in huge numbers. Local culture spearheaded by Yakshagana was well received by the audience.

Suvichar and Youth Convention by NSS ignited the young minds. The eminent speakers spoke about the lives of Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and inspired the impressionable youth to follow their ideals and be an example to others. Department of Youth Services and Sports through its adventure wing ‘General Thimmayya national Academy of Adventure’ organized Adventure Sports at Jappinamoguru, Townhall and Panambur beach free of cost for NYF participants.  It was a hit with the youth as it received huge turnout which was evident by the media reports. The events gave vent to display adventure spirit of Youth. Even the people’s representatives participated and enjoyed it, he said.

Musical Nights with performances by great artistes kept the youth on their feet yelling for more.

The Government of Karnataka has so far been generous in budgetary allocation for developing infrastructure under the Department of Youth Services and Sports.

The program has uncovered and highlighted the significance of Youth Services and Sports department in bringing the youth from various backgrounds into the mainstream and giving them an opportunity to realize each individual’s contribution in nation building, said.

State government will take a lead from this youth festival and will revamp the schemes and introduce new programs through the Department of Youth Services and Sports in the larger interest of youth.

The Youth Rally will be modeled more on the lines of the youth festival. We will broad-base it by introducing new competitions and events, inspiring fresh talent.

The training programs in life skills development will be strengthened and the scope will be expanded to imbibe the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

From now on, the Youth Week will be celebrated in a more meaningful way. Steps will be taken to connect the ideals of Swami Vivekananda with the values our youth and our people require for everyday life.

 I R Perumal, Principal Secretary of Department of Youth Services welcomed the guests and gathering. Shankar Prakash and Aparna compered the programme.

Shri Ajay Maken, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, was the chief guest on the occasion.

District In charge minister Krishna J Palemar, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Deputy Speaker N Yogesh Bhat, Former Olympian and Arjuna Awardee M P Ganesh and International Althlete and Dhyan Chand Awardee Uday K Prabhu , DC Chennappa Gowda, MLC Ganesh Karnik, Coastal development Authority Chairman B Nagaraj Shetty, ZP president Shailaja Bhat and others were present on the dias.