Children and youth are the pictures of a nation’s future. They are our hope for tomorrow. Youth constitutes a significant size of Kashmir population. It is a spirited and ingenious section of our society. Their energy require proper channelling to realise the true spirit of *Naya Kashmir* .
*Indian Army* has undertaken various initiative to engage with the youth of the J&K so as to bring them to mainstream to contribute to nation building. In the series of such an initiative *Indian Army* organised first ever *Kalaroos Youth Mela* at *Thaiyan, Kalaroos, Kupwara* on *14 December 2022* . The event was sponsored by Kafila Foundation, Stay Fit Gym Kalaroos, and Cultural Academy Kupwara.
*In this youth mela event like Mr Kalaroos Contest 2022, Cultural Programme contest and Career counselling* by academic experts were conducted. Each event was conducted with an aim to spread positive message amongst youth. The aim of *Mr Kalaroos Contest* was to spread the message of good health and make youth socially aware and be a responsible organ of the society.
*Cultural Performance contest* was aimed at bringing youth closure to our rich Kashmiri and village culture. In today’s modern time wherein, we are moving away from our traditional roots, so this event was one little step to bring our youth closure to our rich culture. It was also aimed at providing our youth a platform to showcase their hidden talent to ensure holistic development of a young mind.
This Youth Mela was a *two day event* which started on 13 December and culminated on 14 December 2022. *On 13 December* approximately 100 youth participated in screening process for Mr Kalaroos Contest 2022. Total of 20 finalists were shortlisted on 13 December for Mr Kalaroos Contest. Total of 15 schools from the area came for audition with various cultural programme.
*On 14 December* , shortlisted candidates of Mr Kalaroos Contest took part in the contest wherein they were tested for physical fitness and social awareness. It was very closely contested contest in which all participants were at par. *Mr Yasir* from Kalaroos was adjudged *Mr Kalaroos 2022* . *Mr Amir Nazir* from Kalaroos and *Mr Abid Hussain* from Thaiyan were adjudged as *first runner up* and *second runner up* respectively.
The Mela progressed to second stage which was the cultural performance contest. *Cultural performance contest* was the soul of this Kalaroos Youth Mela. Total of *15 schools participated with approximately 22 cultural performances* . Every schools came up with captivated and extraordinary performances by girls and boys exhibiting gurjar, village and Kashmiri culture. The confidence and competitive spirits of young blood of Kupwara was on display for everyone to see when each performance was a signature in itself of their hard-work and confidence. Two breathtaking performances by two handicap youth won everyone’s heart with their never die attitude. In the end top three performances were awarded with cash prizes and trophy. *First position* of Cultural performance contest was won by *Shahawar High School, Khumriyal* . Each participating team was also awarded with consolatory prizes.
This youth Mela was attended by *Commander 68 Mtn Bde, CO 41 RR, Mr Mustafa Rahee Choudhary, DDC Kalaroos, Ateeqa Begum, BDC Kalaroos, Mr Farooq Ahmed Zonal Education Officer* , principals and teachers of schools, Sarpanchs, Ward members, govt officials and other dignatries. There were total of 400 youth who were in attendance of the event. Everyone present amongst the audiances enjoyed each of the event to the fullest and cheered up for the participants.
*Commander 68 Mtn Bde* addressed the gathering and applauded young minds for their excellent performances and urged them to stay away from drugs and contribute to nation building.
*DDC Mustafa Rahee* thanked *Indian Army* for organising such a first ever youth mela in Kalaroos and he praised all students for their josh. In the end everyone was highly appreciative of this initiative of Indian Army. Youth of area were very happy to participate in the event and requested Indian Army for more such initiative pertaining to youth in future as well.
