Mysuru: “Horticulture has its own importance because it is related to soil and farmers. But the importance given to other products is not being given to horticulture and agriculture produces,” regretted noted Filmmaker Nagathihalli Chandrashekar.

He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day ‘Yuvajanotsava’ (Youth Festival), organised by the University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot at the Convocation Bhavan of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) on Hunsur Road here this morning.

The Youth Festival ‘Udyaana Yuvakalarava-2021’ is being held from today till Nov. 19, during which students from nine Horticulture Colleges coming under UHS will be taking part.

Pointing out that there were 356 billion youths in the country out of which 60 percent of them were rural talents who were facing unemployment, Nagathihalli said that the unemployment problem can be solved if these rural talents take up horticulture and be self-employed.

He said that though there were more than 200 schemes for youths in both Central and State Governments, not even 15 percent of these schemes reach villages.

Stating that villages are the mother roots of the country and the country cannot prosper without agriculture, the Filmmaker said that Yuvajanotsava acts as a platform for culture exchange and also to meet new people for exchange of knowledge.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar, who too spoke said that India was stepping towards development and the whole world was watching the country, he added that even investments were taking place in agriculture sector which would boost the economy of country.

Earlier, a procession, comprising folk troupes and students dressed in their traditional attire was taken out from the statue of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu at the entrance of Manasagangothri campus to KSOU premises.

Various competitions such as light music, patriotic songs singing, group songs, skits, quiz, on the spot drawing, poster making, mono acting, clay modelling, debate, cartoon drawing etc. will be held during the three days. The valedictory will be held on Nov. 19 at 6 pm. 

Registrar of University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Dr. T.B. Allolli, UHS Managing Committee Members Dr. M. Shivamurthy, B. Sumithradevi, Dr. M.S. Kulakarni, Dean of Horticulture University, Bengaluru, Dr. B.J. Prakash and others were present.