Varanasi: Under the aegis of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), the ‘Khelo India Yuva Samvad’ programme was organised at three major educational institutions in Varanasi on Thursday to create awareness among youth about sports, encourage sporting talent, highlight career opportunities in the field and connect young people with various youth initiatives.The programme began with a virtual address by the Prime Minister to the youth. A total of 1,029 young people participated in the three programmes organised across the district.At the Gymkhana Club, IIT-BHU, 100 participants attended the programme. Rajya Sabha MP Darshana Singh, Prof Rajesh Kumar, Dean of Student Affairs, IIT-BHU, and sports icons Mangal Yadav and Nasir Ali were present. The participants interacted with the guests and discussed sports and opportunities available to young people.At Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKVP), 404 youth participated in the programme. Uttar Pradesh minister of state Hansraj Vishwakarma, MGKVP vice-chancellor Prof Anand K Tyagi and registrar Sunita Pandey attended the event. International weightlifter and sports icon Poonam Yadav interacted with the youth and shared her sporting journey, encouraging participants to pursue sports with dedication and discipline.At Dhirendra Mahila PG College, 525 participants took part in the programme with enthusiasm. Uttar Pradesh minister of state (independent charge) Ravindra Jaiswal and college principal Nalini Mishra attended the event. National hockey player Shalu Sonkar interacted with students and spoke about her experiences in the sport.During the programmes, the youth were encouraged to share their ideas, views and suggestions related to VBYLD and Khelo India. They were also motivated to actively participate in various youth-related activities and register in large numbers. Participants enthusiastically shared their views on sports, youth programmes and initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation among young people.A pledge to build a drug-free India was also administered to the participants. The youth resolved to stay away from drugs, adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle and spread awareness in society about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
