Mangalore gears up to 'celebrate Diversity in Unity'

Mangalore, January 10: The coastal city is wearing a bridal look to host the 17th National Youth Festival from January 12 to January 16, being organised jointly by the Union government, Karnataka government, Nehru Yuva Kendra and National Service Scheme, under the theme, 'Celebrating Diversity in Unity'

City roads, medians and boundary walls are being given fresh coats of colours while major landmarks have been made spotless.

“Thousands of talented youths from all over the country and abroad would assemble in the city for major national festival. When they would return to their respective places, they should carry the impression that Mangalore is one of the beautiful cities of India,” said Mangalore Mayor Praveen Anchan.

Civic body employees and police have been given orientation as to how they should conduct themselves while huge gatherings were expected in the city.

With just one day to go, the final preparations for the historical event are on as each and every department and the district administration are giving its best to host the event successfully.

The Mangala Stadium, where the Chief Minister D V Sadanada Gowda would inaugurate the Youth Festival, is awaiting delegates from across the country. Workers are giving finishing touches to the main dais erected on a five-foot tall platform that is 160 feet long and 65 feet across.

The spacious dais, erected by Raja Enterprises, Bangalore, gives audience unrestricted view of the proceedings on the dais, says M Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva's Education Foundation, who has been vested with the responsibility of the stage, the opening and valedictory functions and the cultural procession prior to the inaugural.

Yakshagana and local folk traditions will provide the backdrop for the stage that is being constructed on the chavadi concept, Mohan Alva said. "Around 25,000 people including the delegates, officials and VVIPs can view the onstage events from seating arrangements in front of the dais as well as the neatly spruced up galleries," Mohan said adding that spacious green rooms and VVIP rooms too have been incorporated on either flanks of the stage.

Over 5,000 participants from 35 States and Union Territories and five SAARC nations are expected to take part in the 18 events during the five-day fest. Teams from different states have already begun to arrive in the city.

All the cultural events will begin from January 13. Cultural dance events of Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Oddissi will be held at Sri Gokarnatheshwara temple hall. Town Hall will host mono act, musical events will be held at SDM Law college hall and folk music events will be held at Koragappa Kalyana mantap in Sri Gokarnanatheshwara temple.

The participants will have to assemble at T M A Pai Convention Centre from their places of accommodation. Here a total of 80 buses including 32 KSRTC buses and 48 buses from reputed educational institutions have been arranged.

Apart from this, 35 mini buses have been arranged for commuting. Both South Indian and North Indian food will be served to the participants. Accommodations have been arranged for the participants at 22 educational institutions.