Rohtak: The 21st National Youth Festival with the theme “Youth for Digital India” has been inaugurated in Rohtak, Haryana. At the inaugural ceremony of the four day festival, the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi addressed the youths from across country who have come to Rohtak to participate in the event through video conference.
During 13 to 16 January 2017, the Festival will have a host of cultural programmes (both competitive and non-competitive), Youth Convention, Suvichar (a lecture series), Exhibitions and adventure programmes, Hasya Kavi Sammelan, Haryanavi Nights, etc. followed by Cultural Evening by Hansraj Hans and Raftaar.
About 5,000 participating youth delegates from different States/UTs are set to entertain the audience and exchange their experiences during the festival. A defence exhibition with various aspects and initiatives of the defence forces, display of equipment and avenues for recruitment into armed forces is organised. A performance on the life and ideology of Swami Vivekanand impressed the audience in the opening ceremony.
The ceremony of the National Youth Festival was inaugurated by Union Minister of state (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Mr Vijay Goel along with Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr Manohar Lal. Sports Minister of Haryana Mr Anil Vij and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Mr Vijay Goel paid glowing tributes to Swami Vivekanand and said since 1985 government of India is commemorating his birthday as National Youth Day as the life and teachings of Vivekananda is an inspiration for millions of youth of this country. This year the theme of the Festival Youth for Digital India reflects the essence of Digitalisation and Skill Development initiatives taken by the government of India.
He informed that India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with about 28% population between 15 – 29 years of age group. He said the Indian Youth have always been highly talented, hard-working and enterprising and therefore, the government wants participation of Youth in every aspect of the country’s development through education and skill development. He urged the Youth of the Nation to strive and work endlessly in the process of nation building by following the path shown by Swami Vivekanand.
