GUWAHATI, March 23 � The three-day long Youth Festival titled �Monsam Keri-2015� organised by the Jagiroad-based Army Camp at Donkomokam in Hamren sub-division of West Karbi Anglong came to an end recently, an e-mail received here stated.
The Youth Festival, which was a first-of-its-kind organised by the Indian Army in the region, was designed with an objective to inculcate positive attitude among the youth in order to channelise their energy towards transforming the nation into a �vibrant India�.
The three-day �Monsam Keri 2015� comprised assorted events like folk dance, folk songs, modern dance, rock band performance, skits on social cause, drawing competitions, seminars on social cause, marathon etc. The youths also got an opportunity to test their skills at various fun games as well.
Students from various educational institutions like Don Bosco School and Holy Child School, besides Ransina College showcased their talent in events like painting competitions, etc. Debates on national issues too were organised by the Army to ignite the young minds of various schools. Close to 200 students and staff of Ransina College carried out a cleanliness drive on the second day so as to support the cause of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
The final day of the Youth Festival commenced with a 5- km �Run for Fun� from the Donkomokam ground. The theme of the run was to encourage youths to say no to drugs and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The high point of the Youth Festival was the cultural show comprising group dance and presented by 11 different tribes of Assam, which left the audience glued to their seats. This was followed by a scintillating performance by two rock bands, namely �Celestial Sphere� and �Chekema,� that left around 4,000 boys and girls craving for more.
Further, DJ Sebastien M electrified the atmosphere with his tastefully mixed song collection that made even a person with two left feet dance.
The Army also organised a free medical camp to screen people for ailments like cataract etc. A large number of people from the surrounding areas thronged the medical camp. The camp was aimed at screening locals for medical problems, treating ailments and creating health awareness amongst the masses. In all, 1,515 patients were examined and treated, including 925 males, 435 females and 155 children. The Army doctors were assisted by civil doctors from Diphu.
The event was graced by Tuli Ram, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAC), Telis Ram, Chairman of the Town Committee and Man Singh, MLA from Baithalangso, Debojit Deuri, SP of Hamren, MJ Mahanta, SP of East Karbi Anglong, apart from several senior civil and military dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Tuli Ram said, �Loss of culture is loss of identity. I thank the Army for organising such a spectacular three-day Youth Festival that has made them aware about the rich cultural heritage through dances and group songs by 11 different tribes of Assam at one single venue. Such festivals strengthen the bond between the youth and Army as also channelise the energy of our youth towards the task of nation building.�
The objective of the Army behind organising the Youth Festival was to propagate the concept of national integration, spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure amongst the youth by exhibiting their cultural prowess on a common platform.
