RAIPUR,INDIA: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended his congratulations to the 75 youth selected to participate in the National Youth Festival, urging them to excel in their performances and contribute towards making Chhattisgarh a developed state while supporting India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The festival, organized on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, will take place on January 11th and 12th, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The youth will present their talents before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and showcase their vision for a developed India.

The Chief Minister highlighted the role of the National Youth Festival in giving Chhattisgarh’s youth an opportunity to shine on a national stage, stating that their participation aligns with the Government of India’s mission to empower young talent.

Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh also encouraged the participants to leave a lasting impression on other states, saying, “Perform in such a way that everyone proudly says, ‘Chhattisgarhia is all good.’”

Sports Minister Tank Ram Verma emphasized the importance of youth as the driving force of India, commending the state’s efforts in nurturing talent and providing platforms for growth.

The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Chhattisgarh has engaged over 80,000 youth through various events leading up to the festival.

Initiatives included, Youth Dialogue held on December 26-27, 2024 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.

Online Quiz Competition, with participation from over 80,000 youth.

Essay Writing Contest on themes like women empowerment, agriculture productivity, sustainable development, and India as a global manufacturing hub.

Out of 6,103 participants in the quiz, 635 advanced to the essay competition, and 228 were shortlisted for the State Championship held in Raipur. Participants presented their ideas through PPT presentations evaluated by 12 subject experts.

For cultural performances, experts reviewed videos of block and district-level winners, selecting 30 participants across categories such as folk songs, folk dance, poetry, painting, science projects, and public speaking.

A special "Sending Off" ceremony was organized to honour the selected 75 youth before their departure to New Delhi.