Mysuru: The valedictory programme of the 75th anniversary of Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), Gangothri Unit, Mysuru, was held at the auditorium of Negila Yogi Samaja Seva Trust in Jayanagar here recently.

Established in 1949 by a group of 14 Professors, YHAI, the first Indian Youth Hostel in South Asia, has been providing affordable accommodation, conducting adventure activities and cultural experiences to young people for over seven decades.

The event also commemorated the birth centenary of late R.G. Padki, a prominent figure in the Youth Hostel movement who served as the organisation’s permanent Secretary for more than three decades at New Delhi.

The celebration was attended by Prof. N.K. Loknath, Vice- Chancellor, University of Mysore, D. Madegowda, ex-MLC & former Chairman of CITB, N.S. Prasanna, Chairman of Youth Hostel, Karnataka State Branch, H. Ravikumar, Youth Hostel National Vice-President, H.C. Kantharaju, retired Conservator of Forest, Jai Padki, son of late R.G. Padki, R.G. Nagaraj, senior member of Youth Hostel, Gangothri Unit, M. Jagdish, President and M.V. Parashivamurthy, Chairman, YHAI Gangothri Unit.

Earlier, guests paid floral tributes to the portraits of Richard Sherman and R.G. Padki, the Founders of  Youth Hostel.

Speaking on the occasion, Madegowda emphasised the importance of Youth Hostels in fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for personal growth. He highlighted the role of the organisation in promoting cultural exchange and environmental awareness.

He also urged the VC to encourage educational institutions to become “Institutional Members” of the Youth Hostel, thereby providing more students with access to Youth Hostel facilities.

Prof. Loknath, in his address, expressed concern about the declining interest in reading and learning among young people and urged them to explore the world through travel and cultural experiences. He highlighted the role of Youth Hostels in providing such opportunities.

Continuing, the VC said while one of the school teachers was Richard Sherman from Germany who established a Youth Hostel in 1909 and made it grow worldwide, the other was our Mysuru native R.G. Padki along with other Professors who established a Youth Hostel in Mysuru in 1949, then settled in Delhi for four decades and led the growth of Youth Hostels across India.

Gangothri Unit President M. Jagdish welcomed. Organising Secretary Saroja Shekhar proposed the vote of thanks.  Poornima Suresh and Dr. M.V. Rama compered the programme.

The celebration concluded with a cultural programme.