JAMMU: Young and experienced artists drawn from various districts of twin divisions exhibited the cultural diversity of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and also portrayed picture of unity in diversity through their performances on day-2 of the 5-day-long Inter-District UT Level Youth Festival, being organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports at Teachers Bhawan, Gandhi Nagar, here.
The event is a selection/preparation camp for the artistic youth of Jammu and Kashmir to get the nod of the adjudicators for their selection in the National Youth Festival to be held at Hugly in Karnataka from January 12 to January 16, 2023.
The National Youth Festival in India is being celebrated every year to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda from 12th to 16th of January with the aim to promote the concept of National Integration, spirit of communal harmony, and brotherhood among the youth. The youth from different states of India showcase their cultural prowess on a common platform.
On Tuesday, a large gathering of audience witnessed the event and was enthralled by the appealing performances of the artists, who represented their rich and varied cultures through various forms of art and dance.
A vibrant culture was exhibited through, Kashmiri, Pahadi, Gojri, Paadri, Dogri, Bhaderwahi through regional folk songs and dances. The participants dressed in their traditional attires were feeling enthused and charged on the stage depicting their cultures.
Around 500 artists are taking part in the event and vying for top honours.
The Government of India (GOI) is providing the platform to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to showcase their talent in different cultural activities, especially indigenous Folk Dance, Folk Lore, Drama, playing of Santoor, Rubab etc to prove their mettle at the National scene.
The artists left no stone unturned to carry forward the belief and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, who reckoned the youth are indeed the most dynamic and vibrant segment of the population in any country. Swami Vivekananda once said, “Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be.”
The Festival is being held under the patronage of Director Youth Services and Sports, Subash Chander Chibber, while the Joint Director Youth Services and Sports, Bashir Ahmed alongwith DYSSOs of various districts witnessed the proceedings on day-2.
The Director Sports said that Youth Festivals serve as a launching pad for challenging the energy of youth in a positive direction.

KR Desk