CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The State-Level Youth Festival 2025, which provides a platform for the talent, creativity, and cultural expression of the youth of Madhya Pradesh, was grandly inaugurated at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal. The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of Honourable Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav as the chief guest and Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of Cooperation, Sports and Youth Welfare.
Mayor Malti Rai, MLA Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Municipal Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryawanshi, Principal Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department Manish Singh, Deputy Secretary Ajay Srivastava, Department Director Rakesh Gupta, Joint Director B.S. Yadav, other department officials, jury members, a large number of young participants, and students were present at the event.
“Govardhan-Giridhari’s performance was mesmerising” – Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
Addressing the youth, Dr. Yadav said:
“The Govardhan-Giridhari performance today was truly captivating. A new energy and enthusiasm can clearly be seen among our youth. Today’s young generation is performing brilliantly in every sport and every field. The achievements of our women’s cricket team are a matter of great pride for the entire country.”
“India has created a new identity in sports and in many other fields, and the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh is also achieving new heights. Such events help in developing confidence, leadership, and national consciousness among the youth.”
“A major step towards elevating youth power at the national level” – Vishwas Sarang
Minister Vishwas Sarang said:
“Youth culture is the mirror of society and the nation. Real transformation happens during youth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is ensuring that more and more youth are drawn towards sports. The department is working not only to promote excellence in the playground but also in life.”
Outstanding talents honoured
During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav honoured individuals who have excelled in the fields of art and sports.
Internationally renowned Kathak maestro of the Raigarh Gharana, Padma Shri Ramlal Bareth, was specially honoured with a cash award of ₹51,000.
Similarly, athletics player Ranjana Yadav was awarded ₹1 lakh for her outstanding performance, and shooting champion Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar was honoured with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
Competitions began in 7 art and cultural categories on Day 1
In this two-day festival, 350 youth participants from 10 divisions are showcasing their talent in 7 major categories—
Story Writing, Poetry Writing, Speech Competition, Painting, Science Exhibition, Group Folk Song, and Group Folk Dance.
The presentations are being evaluated by an expert jury from the fields of art, literature, and culture.
Selection for National Youth Festival — 30 youth to represent Madhya Pradesh
Out of nearly 300 participants at the state level, the best 30 youths will be selected to represent Madhya Pradesh at the National Youth Festival to be held from January 10 to 12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The selected youths at the national level will also get an opportunity to meet the Honourable Prime Minister, which will be a highly inspiring experience for them.
144 children depart for Jaisalmer under the “Maa Tujhe Pranam” scheme
Along with the State-Level Youth Festival, 144 children departed for Jaisalmer under the ambitious initiative of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department — the “Maa Tujhe Pranam” scheme.
Five children were selected from each block. Participants include youth from various fields such as Scouts–Guides, NCC, NSS, and sports.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav himself flagged off the children’s team for Jaisalmer and wished them the best for this inspiring journey associated with patriotism, leadership, and discipline.
This journey will offer children an opportunity to learn about the nation’s borders, the working of the armed forces, and to connect deeply with the spirit of patriotism.
The team will return on 23 November.
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