Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The valedictory programme of the Goa State Youth Contingent selected for the National Youth Festival was organised at Raj Bhavan, Goa, under the chairmanship of the Honorable Governor of Goa. The event marked the formal send-off for young representatives who will participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue at the national level.
The contingent will represent Goa at the National Youth Festival organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, scheduled to be held from January 9 to January 12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The programme aims to bring together youth leaders from across the country to engage with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
During the ceremony, Director of Sports Dr Ajay Gawade welcomed the Governor and briefed attendees on the selection process of the Goa delegation. He explained that participants were chosen through a transparent and competitive process that included the State-Level Youth Festival conducted on December 1 and 2, 2025, followed by the Viksit Bharat Challenge 2025. The process ensured representation of talent across diverse cultural and creative disciplines.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Shri Pashupati Ashok Gajapati Raju delivered an inspiring message, emphasising India’s rich cultural diversity and linguistic heritage. He encouraged the youth to act as ambassadors of Goa and wished the contingent success at the national event. The Governor highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping the country’s future and urged the participants to contribute meaningfully to national dialogue and development.
The Goa contingent consists of 48 members selected across various tracks, including folk dance, folk song, declamation, poetry writing, painting, and the Viksit Bharat Challenge. Selected participants Ajay Gawade, Shivang Shirodkar, and Pauletto Xavier shared their perspectives on the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in an interactive national platform.
Several dignitaries were present at the function, including Additional Secretary to the Governor Sanjiv C Gawas Dessai, APEO Pandurang Naik, and ZSO Umesh Fadte. The programme concluded with best wishes to the youth delegation as they prepare to represent Goa on the national stage.
