Youth fest will be organised in a disciplined manner: Palemar

Mangalore, December 20: Preparations are going on in full strength for the 17th National Youth Festival which will commence in Mangalore from January 12. The event which is organised for the first time in the district will be organised with all grandeur and in a disciplined manner, said District-in-Charge Minister Krishna J Palemar.

Presiding over a preparatory meeting of the people's representatives at Zilla Panchayat Hall on Monday, the Minister said that necessary arrangements will be made for accommodating the participants and guests at hotels and college and university hostels.

He also said that provisions will be made to issue the government and private bus passes to students who wish to visit Mangalore to watch the events.

On the inaugural programme, Deputy Commissioner Chennappa Gowda said that the inaugural procession will be held with grandeur depicting the culture and tradition of Tulunadu. Alva's Education Foundation has taken up the responsibility of organising the procession, which will have over 500 artistes. It will be accompanied by 200 artistes playing 'Chende' and 'Kombu'. “As many as 16 committees have been constituted and each committee is assigned with a task. Some of the committees include organising committee, executive committee, registration committee, food and accommodation committee, transport sub committee, protocol sub committee,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DC also said that holidays will not be declared for the schools and colleges on account of the festival. Two days of the festival will fall on the government holidays i.e on January 14 and 15. However, no holiday will be declared, but permission will be granted for the teachers to attend the festival.

Zilla Panchayat member Mamatha Gatti insisted on involving Youth Club members of the district in the festival activities, for which the DC agreed to send intimation to the youth clubs. Corporator Appi requested to provide a platform for the talented differently abled youth to exhibit their talent during the festival. The District-in-Charge Minister replied positively. It was also decided to illuminate the entire city.

MLA Ramanath Rai and Zilla Panchayat member M S Mohammad complained that they were not officially informed about the preparatory meeting.