Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 December 2024
The Yuva Utsav-2024 was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sri Vijaya Puram on 9th December 2024, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents and creativity. The event featured a Science Exhibition in both individual and group categories, along with various competitions that witnessed active participation. Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, Secretary of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Corporation and Director of Tourism, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the relevance of the “Panch Pran” principles outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He emphasized the resolve for a developed India, freedom from the colonial mindset, pride in heritage, strengthening unity and solidarity, and the sense of duty among citizens, inspiring the youth to actively contribute to the region’s growth and harmony.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Mandal, DIG, District Coast Guard Region, served as the Guest of Honour and emphasised the significant role of youth in ensuring safety, discipline, and national progress. The event was further enriched by the presence of several distinguished guests. Mrs. Pramila Kumari, Zila Parishad Member and former Adhyaksha, South Andaman, spoke about the importance of youth in community service. Swami Shuddhananda Saraswati, President of Chinmaya Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, shared spiritual insights on unity and ethical living. Dr. Manju Lata Rao, Principal of Tagore Government College of Education, highlighted education’s role in shaping responsible citizens, while Mrs. Biswa Devi Mishra, Principal of Rabindra Bangla Vidyalaya, stressed the importance of nurturing creativity among youth. Other esteemed attendees included Mr. A.P. Naufal, Up-Pradhan of Sholbay; Mr. Venket Raman, ex-Gram Panchayat Pradhan; Mr. Vetri Kannan, social activist; Mr. Devdas Paik, Senior Scientist at ISRO; Mr. C.H. Hemant Kumar, National Literature Awardee 2024; and Mr. Gorakhnath Patil, President of Maharashtra Mandal.
The competitions were the highlight of the Yuva Utsav, with winners being celebrated for their outstanding performances. In the Young Artists Camp (Painting), Sharaddha Halder secured first place, followed by R. Dharini and B. Haritha. The Photography Contest saw Puja Maji in the lead, with Anuja Irin Lakra and Jainal Abedin Mondal in second and third places, respectively. The Young Writers Contest (Poetry) was won by Monika Dhanwer, with Peter and Srishty Toppo taking the second and third spots. In the Declamation Contest, S. Sivranjani clinched the top position, while Avantika Mani and Akansha Chelekchela followed. The Science Mela Exhibition (Individual) recognised Ankita Maiti as the winner, with M. Srimannan and Asvine Kumar Giri taking second and third places. The group category of the Science Mela Exhibition was won by the Aadarsh Group, followed by the N. Dinesh Karthik Group and the Ritesh Mahata Group. The Cultural Festival’s Dance Competition crowned the V. Prashanti Group as champions, with the Papiya Group and Sonali Group securing second and third positions.
The event was meticulously organised under the guidance of Dr. Sunita Patil, Secretary of Andaman Mahila Mandal, with the support of Mr. Vivek Lal and Mr. Nachi Narayan of Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK). Mr. Sukh Ranjan Biswas, Deputy Director (OSD), welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the Yuva Utsav, while Mr. Gopal Ch. Biswas, Program Coordinator, managed the event and expressed gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and volunteers in his vote of thanks. The Yuva Utsav-2024 successfully fostered creativity, innovation, and unity, reinforcing the invaluable role of youth in shaping the future of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.