Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Karnataka State, State NSS Cell, Bengaluru, and National Service Scheme, Mangalore University in association with Canara College, Mangaluru organized “Yuvajanotsava 2025” – A Five-Day State Level NSS Youth Festival. It was held from March 4 to March 8, 2025, at Canara College, Mangaluru, with participation from 160 NSS volunteers from various NSS units across Karnataka. The five-day residential camp was a vibrant blend of cultural exchange, leadership development, social commitment, and intellectual enrichment.
Day 1 – 4th March 2025
The festival commenced with flag hoisting followed by a Yoga session to promote physical and mental well-being. After the registration and preparation, a procession was held from Navabharath Circle to Canara College, creating public awareness about NSS ideals. The evening witnessed the inauguration of the festival, followed by participants’ cultural performances showcasing the diversity of Karnataka’s folk and contemporary art forms. The day concluded with Chinthana Manthana, a reflective discussion session.
The grand inauguration of Yuvajanotsava was marked by the esteemed presence of renowned Yakshagana artist Patla Sathish Shetty, Founder of Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, who inaugurated the event. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. P.L. Dharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University. The event was further graced by CA M. Jagannath Kamath, Correspondent, Canara College, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sheshappa S, NSS Coordinator, Mangalore University was the Guest of Honour.
Prominent dignitaries who added prestige to the occasion included Dr. Sheshappa S, NSS Coordinator, Mangalore University and those from Canara College were Dr. Premalatha V, Principal; Dr. Deepthi Nayak, Administrative Officer; and Dr. Kalpana Prabhu J, Vice Principal. The inauguration witnessed the enthusiastic participation of NSS volunteers from 10 different universities across Karnataka, accompanied by five male NSS Programme Officers, who remained actively engaged throughout the camp.
The event was meticulously coordinated by Mrs. Seema Prabhu S., Coordinator of Yuvajanotsava, along with Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat and Mrs. Sushama C., NSS Programme Officers.
Day 2 – 5th March 2025
After the morning Yoga and Shramadhan activities, a thought-provoking educational session on “Youth Leadership” was delivered by Ms. Sachitha Nandagopal. The afternoon featured Solo and Group Singing Competitions, and the evening concluded with Solo and Group Dance Performances, providing a platform for volunteers to express their cultural talents.
Day 3 – 6th March 2025
The day featured an engaging session on “Acting Skills” by artist Mr. Jagan Powar, followed by an Elocution Competition and a Painting Competition. The evening saw vibrant Skit Competitions focusing on social themes, encouraging creativity with a message.
Day 4 – 7th March 2025
Participants travelled to Rani Abbakka Museum, Bantwal, where Prof. Thukaram Poojary delivered a session on Tulu Folk Culture, instilling appreciation for regional heritage. Post-lunch, Essay Writing and Quiz Competitions tested intellectual and linguistic abilities. The day ended with a cultural evening and the soulful ‘Shibira Jyothi’, symbolizing unity and reflection.
Day 5 – 8th March 2025
The final day included Shramadhan, followed by the Valedictory Ceremony. Dr. Prathap Lingaiah, Karnataka State NSS Officer was the Chief Guest, while Shri Basty Purushottam Shenoy, Correspondent, Canara Vikaas College was the President. The other esteemed dignitaries present at the occasion were Shri Pradeep D’Souza, Deputy Director, District Youth Empowerment and Sports, and Shri M. S. Gururaj Shet, President, Alumni Association, Canara College. The day concluded with the dignitaries appreciating the efforts of volunteers and organizers, distribution of certificates, interaction session, and feedback collection.
Competitions and awards recognize individual and group talents, boosting morale and motivation. So, as the final part of the five-day festival, based on the cumulative performance of each team, the Overall Champions Trophy was awarded to University of Agricultural Science, Raichur, and the Runners-Up Trophy to Team Mangalore University. Volunteers checked out after the evening games and dinner, taking home lasting memories.
The State Level NSS Youth Festival 2025 successfully met its goals of empowering youth through service, learning, and cultural interaction. The highlight of the festival was the enthusiastic participation and the spirit of unity among volunteers. The festival not only celebrated the vibrancy and creativity of NSS volunteers but also instilled in them the values of discipline, leadership, and community service. It stood as a testament to the NSS motto: “Not Me, But You.”
Report By,
Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat and Mrs. Sushama C.
