WHAT A TIME TO BE YOUNG: Yuva Mahotsav is all about Goan youth as custodians of Goa's future

 When Goa Yuva Mahotsav was first organised in 1996 by likeminded youths under Konkani Bhasha Mandal, it already had the vision to go big in the future. The travelling festival has been to different parts of Goa, uniting the youth to create a Goan identity amongst them. The festival was originally held in Margao, after which it moved to different talukas. It’s now back in Margao for the grand celebrations at the Ravindra Bhavan Margao complex on January 17 and 18, 2020. 

Doesn’t get bigger: 50 groups, 3500 youth participants, 17 competitions and 10,000 spectators 

Chetan Acharya, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, says, “Goa Yuva Mahotsav started on a grand note. The participation has seen a gradual change and now we have over 50 groups participating every year. Over 3,500 youth participate directly in the 17 competitions and over 10,000 people attend as spectators. Today the competition is completely high tech and all the entries are accepted online, with data processing being done through special software designed for the festival. One of the most important parts of Goa Yuva Mahotsav is the sportsmanship that it showcases.”

 Issues close to Goan hearts highlighted: Regional plan, SEZ and the MOI agitation have been highlighted at Goa Yuva Mahotsav. Mhadei was highlighted earlier 

Goa Yuva Mahotsav is a unique festival, where other educational institutions as well as cultural groups from rural Goa participate in the same competitive platform. The winner is chosen based on the points tally. Besides the competitions, even agitations like Regional plan and SEZ and the MOI agitation have been highlighted at Goa Yuva Mahotsav. The issue of Mhadei found its place at the seventh Goa Yuva Mahotsav and the 21st Goa Yuva Mahotsav.

 Working President Vallabh Barve says, “Konkani Bhasha Mandal has organised two special programmes on the occasion of its silver jubilee. ‘Yuva Nakhetra’ will see past participants of the Mahotsav unleash their talents on stage. Dance performances will be showcased by Goan dancers and troupes 

The musical programme on January 18, 2020 will see vocal performances by noted singers of Goa that include Apart from this, the past working presidents and chief coordinators of all 24 GYM will be recognised during the celebrations.