Nagpur: More than 25,000 people packed Reshimbagh Ground on Sunday as over 4,100 dhol-tasha performers brought the Manthan4Yuva finale to a thunderous close, while 585 saffron flag-bearers created a record recognised by India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records. The flag-bearer feat surpassed the previous record of 260 participants and exceeded organisers’ initial target of 300.Beyond the spectacle, an interactive session moderated by sports anchor Riddhima Pathak saw chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, cricketer Tilak Varma and Commonwealth Games gold medallist para-athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit speak to the gathering about ambition, pressure and the journeys behind their achievements.Fadnavis used his own political journey to emphasise the power of the Constitution and democracy. “I never thought I would even become a corporator, but I became chief minister,” he said, adding that a boy who once sold tea at a railway station in Gujarat is now our Prime Minister because of the opportunities provided by the constitutional system.Recalling his entry into politics, Fadnavis said he had been driven by ideology and described politics as an instrument for social change. He also spoke about participating in an ABVP campaign as an 18-year-old to hoist the Tricolour at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and recalled taking part in several political movements during his youth.Asked about dealing with challenges as CM, Fadnavis said every day brings a new test. “Managing people’s aspirations is the toughest part,” he said.Cricketer Tilak Varma gave the audience a glimpse into the pressure of international cricket. He said that pressure comes when one realises that the entire country’s expectations rest on you. In such moments, Tilak said, he reminds himself of the years of work put in since childhood and commits fully to the opportunity. Tilak said consistency also depends on learning to deal with criticism and expectations.Fadnavis also spoke about strengthening Maharashtra’s startup ecosystem through incubation centres and decentralising opportunities so that youngsters from tier-2 and tier-3 cities can participate more easily. He said govt would consult the founders to further improve the ecosystem.On excessive screen time among children, Fadnavis said deliberations were underway on measures to restore balance and encourage youngsters to spend more time on playgrounds. The programme also saw youths take a pledge for a drug-free Maharashtra and India, administered by police commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil.Several youth icons and guests, including chess player Divya Deshmukh, badminton player Malvika Bansod, Srinidhi Ghatate, MasterChef India winners Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe, Arjun Deshpande, were present along with organisers Vishnu Changde and Ritesh Gavande.
