Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 29: Participants mesmerized audiences with exceptional displays of skill and creativity during the UT-Level competition under Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD)-National Youth Festival 2026, hosted by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) here today.
Youth from Jammu and Kashmir divisions competed in Declamation, Story Writing, Painting, Folk Dance, Folk Song and Science Exhibition.
Panel of adjudicators from Higher Education Department, Department of Art, Culture and Languages and DYSS evaluated the performances, selecting a premier squad to represent J&K at national event from January 10-12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
VBYLD-National Youth Festival 2026 aims to ignite youth leadership by offering a national platform for ages 15-29 to present innovative ideas, foster national integration, drive socio-economic solutions and propel Viksit Bharat by 2047.
VBYLD-National Youth Festival 2026 continues the inspiring legacy of youth icon Swami Vivekananda by being hosted annually on his birth anniversary.
The event unfolded under the guidance of Director General Youth Services and Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta with Megha Baogia, Deputy Director Activities, serving as Nodal Officer. Dignitaries including Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Jammu, Vinakshi Koul and the Accounts Officer, Sunil Kotwal graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Anuradha remarked that such initiatives not only inspire young minds but also foster a spirit of innovation and excellence.
Earlier, in welcome address, Baogia highlighted the remarkable achievements and steadfast progress of the department.
District Rajouri, Jammu and Kupwara secured first, second and third positions respectively in Folk Dance competition.
Samba, Bandipora and Kupwara claimed top three spots in Folk Song category.
In Declamation contest, Districts Samba, Srinagar and Udhampur emerged first, second and third respectively.
Story Writing competition saw Jammu, Srinagar and Rajouri taking leading three positions.
At Science Mela, Districts Jammu, Kathua and Baramulla secured top three ranks while in Painting, Ganderbal and Jammu won top honours.
In Poetry, Kathua clinched first place, with Baramulla and Srinagar finishing second and third respectively.
The panel of adjudicators included Prof Sanjay Singh Sambyal, Dr Pinky Kotwal, Dr Shamsher Singh, Yash Pal Yash and Ravi Sharma.
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