Mysuru: The week-long cultural extravaganza as part of the 14th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme concluded at the auditorium of University College of Fine Arts in the city recently.

The programme was conducted under the joint auspices of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Home Affairs, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra, where the art and culture of various tribal communities were unveiled during the period.

In all, 200 youths and in-charge officers from various States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra and Bihar among others introduced their culture, art, food practices, customs and traditions, traditional attire, places and language.

On the occasion, prizes were distributed to the winners of oratory and folk dance contests.

Oratory contest: Pankaj Sinha, Jharkhand (first prize), Tarun Vahini, Odisha (second), Sandeep Kumar Yadav, Jharkhand (third), Ashis, Jharkhand (fourth) and Sindhu, Telangana (fifth).

Folk dance: Dongri Dhade Group Dance, Chhattisgarh (first prize), Raitha Nruthya (farmers dance) by youths of Telangana (second), Odisha Group Dance (third), Abuj Madiya Sanskrit Krutiya, Chhattisgarh (fourth) and Santali dance, Jharkhand (fifth).

In the valedictory address, Chamarajanagar MP V. Sreenivasa Prasad said “The Tribal Youth Cultural Exchange programme has been organised on humanitarian grounds to rehabilitate tribals. The programme is being organised from the year 2006 to bring those affected by Naxal activities, to the mainstream of the society. The youth artistes have showcased their culture and tradition in Mysuru which is known for hospitality.”

 Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra M.N. Nataraj said “Over 4,000 youths have taken part in Tribal Youth Exchange Programme conducted so far in various parts of the country.  Apart from exhibiting culture and tradition of their land during 14th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, the youths learnt about the rights of tribal communities and Constitution by interacting with experts.”

The participants who had come from various States also visited tourist spots in Mysuru like Chamundi Hill, Palace, Brindavan Gardens at KRS, said Nataraj.

Sindhu, a participant from Telangana, said that “The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme was organised in a systematic manner in Mysuru. The accommodation, food and other arrangements were also made in organised manner. The visit to Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Gardens will remain etched in memory for long.  If more such programmes are organised, the culture, tradition, practices, language and lifestyle and several other key matters of various regions can be exchanged to strengthen the brotherhood.”

BJP leader M. Appanna, Varakod Prakash, Raghuveer, Channagiri Gowda and others were present on the occasion.