Kerala - Alappuzha   

Rousing start to varsity youth festival

— Photo: H. Vibhu

Traditional start: Actor Mohanlal inaugurating the Kerala University Union Youth Festival at Cherthala in Alappuzha district on Friday.

ALAPPUZHA: The Kerala University Union Youth Festival got off to a rousing start at the SNM Government Boys Higher Secondary School at Cherthala on Friday with actor Mohanlal lighting a lamp to inaugurate it.

Mr. Mohanlal, who was given a warm reception with thousands of students, fans and the general public thronging the venue, said campus life was the best period in anyone’s life. This was a period when one could share all joys and sorrows without any accompanying burden, he said.

Noting that Cherthala was hosting the festival after more than a decade, Mr. Mohanlal said Cherthala’s contribution to cultural Kerala could never be ignored, with stalwarts like Vayalar Rama Varma, Irayimman Thampi, S.L. Puram Sadanandan and Rajan P. Dev all hailing from this small town. The place was also known for its working class struggles and coir industry, he said.

Mr. Mohanlal said youth festivals added to the cultural diversity of the State. Such events were a big boon to young talents who were searching for a venue to bloom. Several art forms that were otherwise on the verge of extinction too were given a new lease of life at such venues. Amidst applause, Mr. Mohanlal said the cinema industry always looked upon school, district and State-level youth festivals with much anticipation, since it was through such events that outstanding talents like singers K.S. Chithra and G. Venugopal and actors Vineeth, Manju Warrier, Kavya Madhavan and Navya Nair gained entry onto the silver screen, before going on to carve a niche for themselves.

Mr. Mohanlal called upon teachers and parents to avoid unnecessary appeals and to encourage healthy contests. Youth festivals should essentially be festivals, in all sense of the term, and not cut-throat contests, he added.

Reception committee general convener Manu C. Pulickal welcomed the gathering. University union chairman K. Pradeep presided over the function.

Transport Minister Jose Thettayil, district panchayat president R. Nazar, A.M. Arif and P. Thilothaman, MLAs, also spoke.

Earlier, a colourful procession showcasing a multitude of art forms of the State was taken out from the Holy Family School to the inaugural venue.

Competitions in Mohiniyattam were held after the inaugural function.

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Rousing start to varsity youth festival

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