24th State Level Youth Festival concludes ; YAS Commissioner moots inclusion of local items
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 04 2019: The 24th State Level Youth Festival which kicked off on December 1 last under the aegis of State Youth Affairs and Sports Department at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex's Auditorium was brought to a close after four days of action with Bobby Waikhom, Commissioner of Youth Affairs and Sports gracing as the chief guest.

The State level festival saw a participation of more than 300 youths from across 16 districts of the State in different programmes and competitions, including music, dance, and theatre.

24th State Level Youth Festival concludes ; YAS Commissioner moots inclusion of local items

Speaking on the occasion, Bobby suggested that Youth Festival should encompass dance and music items which are relevant and very close to the people living in the State in addition to the other programmes.

He expressed his desire to extend the number of days of the festival so as to explore more talents that State's youths possess but went on to lament the limitations faced by the department owing to meagre budget allocation.

He also promised to look into issues the State department is facing and make possible effort for the betterment of youths.

The Commissioner also highlighted the roles that youths should play in lifting the State in a good light as the State is being perceived by outsiders as a hotbed for all the wrong reasons which include AIDS, blockades, general strike, bomb blast etc.

He also spoke highly of the State athletes on the occasion for their priceless contributions to the State and the country at large.

He continued that we all should join hands to make the State a peaceful one.

Jackie Ruivah, State Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, who attended the closing ceremony as functional president also spoke on the importance of youths.

Jackie Ruivah contended that youths are highly energetic and the State and the Nation will usher to a new era of peace and development only when they are guided in the right direction.

He stressed on the need to give equal focus on youths as it is given to sports and called on the youths to build their character and take part responsibly in Nation building process while upholding cultural identity and values.

He also drew attention of the State Government to provide more fund to the State Youth Affairs and Sports Department.

He also advised State representatives who will participate in the North East Youth Festival due to be held at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh from December 16, to maintain utmost discipline and wished them to do best and bring laurel to the State.

Certificates and prizes to the winners and participants in various competitions were also handed out during the closing ceremony.