District Level Youth Festival – 2026: A Vibrant Celebration of Talent, Culture, and Youth Empowerment at RRU Puducherry

The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Puducherry, in collaboration with the Puducherry NSS Cell and Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), proudly inaugurated the District Level Youth Festival – 2026 at Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus, Murungapakkam. The event, held on December 2, 2025, marked a significant milestone in fostering youth leadership, creativity, and cultural unity across the region.

The festival commenced with the lighting of the lamp, symbolizing knowledge, growth, and the spirit of togetherness. The event was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri R. Baskar @ Datchanamourthy, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly, Ariankuppam Constituency, and graced by the esteemed Guests of Honour, Shri V. Vaitinadane, Deputy Director, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Shri G. Arsh, Director, Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus. Their presence added immense value to the festival, reinforcing the importance of youth-led development and cultural engagement.

A total of 300 participants competed across the following categories:

• Declamation - 28 (participants)
• Poetry - 23 (participants)
• Painting - 43 (participants)
• Folk Dance - 07 (Team)
• Folk Song - 05 (Team)

The District Level Youth Festival provided an energetic and inclusive platform for the youth of Puducherry to showcase their skills, creativity, and artistic expression. Students from schools and colleges across the district participated enthusiastically in various competitions that highlighted both individual and team talents. These events not only encouraged artistic excellence but also nurtured leadership qualities, self-confidence, teamwork, and cultural appreciation among the youth. 

To motivate and celebrate emerging talents, prizes and certificates were awarded to participants securing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions in each category. This recognition served as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances. The seamless conduct of the festival was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Coordinators Dr. S. Saravanan and Mrs. P. Kalaivani. 

The organizing team worked under the guidance of Thiru D. Satish Kumar, State Nodal Officer for the National Youth Festival – 2026, Puducherry, whose leadership ensured the smooth execution and active participation of youth. The District Level Youth Festival – 2026 stands as a symbol of unity, creativity, and empowerment. By bringing together young individuals from diverse backgrounds, the festival strengthened cultural identity and promoted meaningful engagement among the next generation.

Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus, extended heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, volunteers, and partnering agencies for making the event a vibrant and memorable celebration. This festival marks a significant step toward empowering youth, fostering cultural pride, and building a more dynamic and connected community in Puducherry.