Bhubaneswar: Over 500 youths from Odisha participated in a special event to celebrate International Youth Day in the Odisha capital.
The event was hosted by Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT) on Monday. It invited youths from urban and rural areas of Puri and Bhubaneswar in recognition of their efforts in the development process.
Rajya Sabha member Dr Amar Patnaik, Information Technology (IT) Minister Tushar Kanti Behera, IG (Crime Branch) Arun Bothra and Director (Special Projects), and Department of PR of Odisha government, Rajesh Patil graced the occasion.
The vibrant participants staged a role play to showcase the areas of concern among the youth such as substance abuse, violence, unemployment, etc. They also sent out a message on how to combat such social problems with enhanced awareness and leadership through the play.
There was also a panel discussion on the ‘Rights Vs Responsibilities of Youth in Social Development Process’. The discussion focused on different perspectives of youth participation in the development of society and nation and on countering social ills.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Patnaik (MP) gave the examples of national icons like Swami Vivekananada, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Abdul Kalam to enthuse the participants in contributing to nation building from a young age.
He also gave the examples of Mary Kom, Dutee Chand and Sudarshan Patnaik, who are young talents bringing glory to the country.
The MP urged the youngsters to bring transformation in their own lives and in society by following the path of 3 C’s: Courage, Conviction and Commitment.
Minister Tushar Kanti Behera said, “Your hard work of today will not go to waste and it will certainly pay off in the days to come. Nurture your youth with diligence, sincerity and hard work.”
Arun Bothra discussed about cyber crime and how young people were falling victims because of lack of consciousness. He suggested youth to become conscious and careful of their deeds so that they stay safe of different crimes.
Giving emphasis to the theme of the year, “Transforming Education”, Rajesh Patil said the youth should have access to a quality education that will prepare them to lead healthy and productive lives and contribute to their communities.
Education for the youth is the medium with the help of which they can quench their thirst for realizing their potentialities. The youth should be equipped with the best possible education and facilitated with favorable conditions to, through the attainment of their skills, be an asset to the community and that way contribute actively to the development of the community.
Following the meeting, debates and painting competitions were held at various locations. The winners were felicitated and the winning artworks were exhibited.
The youth volunteers who put in outstanding efforts in relief operations after Cyclone Fani were also felicitated along with the youths who were identified as ‘HBT YUVAs’ for their exemplary achievements and being role-models by the special guests.
