New Delhi: The 21st National Youth Festival will be held in Rohtak, Haryana from 12 to 16 January, 2017. Department of Youth Affairs of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, organizes every year the National Youth Festival on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the greatest Youth Icon.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Mr Vijay Goel, in a statement said that the Prime Minister will address the participants of the Festival through video conference on the occasion of opening ceremony. Union Home Minister Mr Rajnath Singh will grace the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of Mr Mahohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana.

Mr Goel  further informed that this year the theme of the Festival is ‘Youth for Digital India’, which has been decided based on the ongoing Digital India and Skill India mission initiated by the Government of India.

Further, to achieve the proclaimed national goal, it has been decided to project the various widely acclaimed initiatives of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, NSDA, NSDC, DGET & MoMSME, etc. through Skill Development Exhibition, Lectures & Workshops for the benefit of thousands of participants of the Festival and local youth.

Similarly the Mascot of the festival was decided considering the long standing skewed sex ratio especially in a state like Haryana. Selection of ‘Lado’ reflects the sensitivity of the state government towards the gender inequality in the state and to bring women at par with men which both the government is committed to combat. The Festival will also host a Defence exhibition where various aspects and initiatives of the defence forces, display of equipment and avenues for recruitment into Armed Forces will be projected for the benefits of thousands of young participant.

Another significant part of the event is that a performance by renowned artist on the life and ideology of Swami Vivekanand on the opening ceremony, which will be the highlight of the festival. During 13 to 16 January, 2017, the Festival will have a variety 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.

India being one of the youngest nations in the world with about 65% of its population under the age of 35, Mr Goel expects that this demographic dividend’ offers a great opportunity for the country to revolutionize itself and achieve the vision of a clean India, a skilled India and most importantly an incredible India . He urges the Youth of the Nation to strive and work endlessly in the process of nation building following the paths shown by Swami Vivekanada.