The District Youth Festival 2025, organised by the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office, Imphal East, was successfully held today at the Luwangsangbam Youth Centre, bringing together young talents from across the district under the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva / Youth for Healthy Lifestyle.”
The one-day festival served as both a cultural celebration and a strong social message, using creativity to address one of the most pressing concerns facing today’s youth — substance abuse. Through competitive events rooted in tradition and self-expression, the programme encouraged young people to choose healthier, purpose-driven paths.
A Platform for Expression and Awareness
The festival featured competitions in Folk Dance, Folk Song, Story Writing, and Painting, drawing enthusiastic participation from youth groups, students, and local clubs. Each category reflected a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary social awareness, reinforcing the idea that creativity can be a powerful tool for change.
Participants used traditional music and dance forms to highlight themes of resilience, identity and community strength, while the literary and visual art segments explored the personal and social impact of drug abuse and the importance of healthy choices.
Officials said the diversity of entries demonstrated not only talent but also a growing awareness among young people about their role in shaping society.
Youth as Agents of Social Transformation
Addressing the gathering, organisers emphasised that the festival was designed to go beyond competition. The core objective, they said, was to empower youth as ambassadors of positive change, capable of influencing peers and communities through culture, dialogue and example.
“The fight against drug abuse cannot rely on enforcement alone. It requires awareness, creativity and the active involvement of young people,” an official from the Youth Affairs and Sports Office said. “This festival gives them a voice and a sense of ownership.”
Reviving Culture, Strengthening Values
By focusing on folk art forms, the festival also reinforced the importance of cultural roots in shaping identity and values. Many performances drew from local traditions, reminding participants and spectators alike that cultural pride and healthy living often go hand in hand.
Judges evaluated entries based on creativity, message clarity, cultural relevance and overall impact. Winners were felicitated at the closing ceremony, while all participants were applauded for contributing to the festival’s broader message.
Community Participation and Encouragement
The event saw attendance from youth leaders, sports officials, cultural practitioners and community members, creating an encouraging atmosphere for participants. Several parents and mentors noted that such platforms play a crucial role in steering young people toward constructive activities.
Many participants said the festival helped them connect with like-minded peers and inspired them to continue using art and storytelling to raise awareness on social issues.
Looking Ahead
Officials said the District Youth Festival is part of a larger effort to promote active youth engagement, healthy lifestyles and social responsibility across Imphal East. Similar initiatives are expected to continue at block and district levels, aligning with national and state-level youth development programmes.
As the festival concluded, the message was clear: a drug-free society begins with informed, confident and creative youth — and platforms like this are essential in nurturing that vision.