Punjab would play the host to the 18th National Youth Festival from January 12 to 16 at the campus of ludhiana’s Punjab Agricultural University. More than 5000 participants from all States and Union Territories are expected to participate in 18 competitive events.
Stating this, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Thursday reviewed the arrangements for this mega event in a meeting with Sports and Youth Services Secretary Ashok Kumar Gupta, ludhiana IG NS Dhillon, ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal and Youth Services director Hirdeypal Kaur.
Sukhbir also sanctioned `4 crore for the event. “It would provide a rare opportunity of cultural exchange and interaction of youth activities. Earlier, Punjab had organized 14th national youth festival with a great success in 2009,” he said.
Sukhbir informed that the Vice-President of India would grace the inaugural function at ludhiana’s Guru Nanak Stadium on the birthday anniversary of Swami Vivekanand.
More than 2,000 young artists would also exhibit their folk arts, including competitive events like folk dance, classical dance, one-act play and musical instruments, he added.
“Besides, conferences, seminars and debates on various current topics would also be held. Punjab’s Department of Youth Services would be the nodal agency to organise the event with the collaboration of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,” he added.