Thiruvananthapuram: The 56th school youth festival kicked off with the lighting of 56 wicks symbolizing the 56 years of the youth festival on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the festival. Film Director Jayaraj was honoured at the event held at Putharikandam maidan.
The programmes started with Director of Public Education M S Jaya hoisting the flag. One of the main attractions of the inauguration was the welcome dance choreographed by Madhu Gopinath and Vakkom Sajeev of Samudra dance academy.
As many as 12000 talents will take part in about 232 competitions to be held at 19 venues.
This time the government has decided to keep a close watch on the judges invited to evaluate the students to keep out complaints about backdoor operations.
The Government has asked the Vigilance to keep a close watch on the proceedings at the youth festival.
Medical care facilities have also been arranged in the schools and festival venues by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). een at the venue.
Oganizers have made elaborate arrangements at the police ground on Thycaud for 3000 including students for food. Every day around 12000 to 15000 people including students, teachers and parents are expected to have their noon meals at the festival.
The fire was lit at the School Youth festival ‘Oottupura’ on Monday. Veteran cook Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri is in charge of the ootupura.
