When Gen Y from across India congregates at Mangala Stadium here for the 17th National Youth Festival which kicks off on Thursday, they will see why chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda reposed such faith in the Dakshina Kannada district administration to pull off such a mega event. For, no stone has been left unturned to make the five-day event a grand success.
While the city wears a festive look with lights and decorations, citizens are getting ready to savour the rich cultural diversity of Karnataka as well as the rest of the country during NYF 2012, which starts with a 4-km procession at 3pm. They’ll also get a taste of India during the ceremony.
NYF, which began in 1995 as a major activity under the National Integration Camp (NIC), propagates national integration, communal harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure among the youth. NYF 2012 has a mix of competitive, non-competitive and performances and shows and events are aimed at fostering teamwork, leadership, etc. among participants.
K Jairaj, additional chief secretary, says the state will showcase the strength of Karavali as a centre for learning, youth and a place of unity in diversity. Asked ‘Why Mangalore?’, Jairaj quipped, “Why not Mangalore?” He added, “It’s the Gateway to Karnataka. The state capital has had enough and more exposure. The last edition of NYF was at Udaipur and the same logic is at work here.”
While Udaipur NYF’s mascot was Teengur, the tiger which represented enthusiasm and excitement of youth, this festival’s mascot Yakshi conveys unity, diversity, strength, love and social nature.
It’s a fun-loving elephant sporting Yakshagana headgear. While last year’s theme was Sabse Pehle Bharat striving to generate the right attitude among the youth, the theme this year is ‘Celebrating Diversity In Unity’.
Mohan Alva, procession and stage in-charge, said the inaugural procession will be a knock-out. “Whatever Mangaloreans have heard or seen on a small scale will be amplified here. Various cultural aspects of the state like Kombu, Chende, Dholu, Huli Vesha, Keelu Kudure, Karaga Nritya, Yakshagana, both Tenkathittu and Badagathittu varieties, Veerabhadra Kunita, Aati Kalenja, Kamsale, Kalladka dolls, Kerala Chende, Kangeelu Kunita, Suggi Kunitha, Goravara kunita, Veeragase, Patada kunita, Tashe, band sets from Chitradurga, Honnavara, Alike, Daff, Mara kaalu kunita, Dudi kunita, will be part of the procession,” he said.
The procession starts from AB Shetty Circle and after traversing through the thoroughfares via KS Rao Road and PVS, it’ll reach Mangala Stadium where delegates will join in.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / City> Mangalore/ Home> Collections> Cultural Diversity / TNN / by Stanley Pinto & Jaideep Shenoy / January 12th, 2012