Young talent shines

Around 1200 artists gathered at Central Park to showcase the rich cultural legacies of our country.

Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Department of Art, Culture, and Languages, Delhi Government organised 8th edition of the Youth Festival from February 22 to 27.

Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia also graced this 6-day long cultural extravaganza. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "I am proud to see how Delhi Youth Festival has engaged more than 1200 youngsters who are serving the society through art and culture. There are many social problems in our history and present times. I strongly believe solutions will come from education and art. Creative, innovative and compassionate youth give us hope for the future, as they take our country forward with passion."

Sahitya Kala Parishad also hosted Kala Mela under Youth Festival where 15 young artists showcased their work in a group exhibition at Central Park. On the first day of the festival, people were mesmerised by larger than life puppet show by Puran Bhatt and his group. Jan Akansha Pratish then gave a performance depicting life of a soldier. The evening continued with a street play titled 'Home Sweet Home' by Guru Govind Singh College of Commerce. The play was about the importance of natural resources and how a human should take care of the Earth. This was followed by Meenu Thakur's Kuchipudi Ensemble, which stunned the audience.

On the second day, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre presented a cultural performance. To tune the musical aura of the festival, Delhi based youth band Manzil Mystics played various songs with a theme of peace, unity, and secularism. Another performance was by Violin Trio, the disciples of Kalamamani V S K Chakrapani who presented Violin Ensemble. Apala Verma, a trained Kathak dancer for past 10 years under Guru Nandini Singh, performed Jal- A Heartbreaking Cry. The production is divided into three sections namely, the origination of water, full filling needs with water and depletion of water. The evening saw various other performances.

On the third day, Puran Bhatt entertained audience with their puppet performances on various songs. Salaam Baalak Trust presented a cultural performance for the audience which was spellbinding. This was followed by a street play by Mukhauta – The Dramatics Society of Shaheed Rajguru College. The day saw tremendous footfall.

On the fourth day, Dadi Pudumjee grabbed attention of the audience with his puppet show. Cultural performance by Music Basti, Integrated Development Education Association was highlight of the day.

On the fifth day, the production 'Ab, Normal!' – revolving around the conflict of Gender-based discrimination and identity crisis – won applauses. The evening also witnessed a classical music ensemble, where disciples of Pandit Prateek Chaudhuri had a special presentation. The festival ended on a successful note.