Mangalore : Chief Minister of Karnataka D.V. Sadananda Gowda inaugurated the much awaited seventeenth National Youth Festival held at Mangala Stadium on January 12, Thursday.

The festival is being held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand which falls on Jan 12.

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

Speaking after inaugurating the event, CM said that the national Youth Fest, the participants from various countries particpated in the compettive and non competetive category.

He also said that the cultura, tradition and the talent displayed in the venue from the various states, itself highlightes the diversity in unity. Our state is the mini world, which includes all the aspects of people living here. The young people are more attracted toweards the state for its achivement in the field of education and financial sector.

This event is to commemorate the 149th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who will complete the 150th birthday in 2013. This was the respect shown towards the tireless service rendered to the society by him. In the co ming days more meaningful and usefull programmes will be held to celebrate his birth anniversary, he added.

He said that the boiling blood of youth must build the future of the nation with enthusiasm. It is overwhelming to know the societal value of the Kannadigas which has strenghtened our culture with beautiful arrangements and themes.

Mr M. Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs participated as the Chief Guest.

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

Another Guests of Honour Shri Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari, Dharmasthala said that the people of Mnagalore have very well organised the youth fest in the city. Today we have the people from all over the states and the state like Karnataka is the dearest daughter of Bharath Matha, but we do not descrimintate between the people of other states, culture and their language, he said.

He also said that 60 years before our country