FROM A CORRESPONDENT
DONGKAMOKAM, March 21: Monsam Keri, three-day youth festival organised by Jagiroad based Army Camp in Donkamokam in Hamren Sub Division of West Karbi Anglong region of Assam came to an end today. The Youth Festival, first of its kind organised by the Indian Army in the region, was designed with the objective to inculcate positive attitude amongst youth to channelize their energy towards transforming the tion into a 'vibrant India', said a press release.
The three-day Monsam Keri 2015 comprised of assorted events like folk dance, folk songs, modern dance, rock band performance, skits on social cause , drawing competitions, semirs on social cause. The youth also got an opportunity to try their hands on various fun games as well.
Students from various schools like Don Bosco School and Holy Child School and colleges like Ransi showcased their talent through events like painting competition. Debates on tiol issues too were organised by the Army to ignite young minds of various schools. Close to 200 students and staff of Ransi College carried out a cleanliness drive in the second of the event to support the cause of "Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan".
The fil day of the youth festival commenced with "5 Km run for fun" from Donkomokam ground. The theme of the run was to encourage youth to stay no to drugs and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The high point of the festival was the cultural show comprising of group dance and group presented by 11 different tribes of Assam that left the audience mesmerized. This was followed by scintillating performances of the two rock bands - "Celestial Sphere" and "Chekema" that left around 4000 boys and girls craving for more.
DJ Sebastien M electrified the atmosphere with his tastefully mixed song collection that made even a person with two left feet dance.
Army also organized a free med camp to screen people for ailments like cataract etc. The camp was heavily subscribed with a large number of patients turning up from morning itself. The camp was aimed at screening locals for medical problems, treating ailments and creating health awareness amongst the masses. A total of 1515 patients were examined and treated including 925 males, 435 females and 155 children. The Army Doctors were ably assisted by civil doctors from Diphu.
The event was graced with the presence of Tuli Ram Ranghang, Chief Executive Member of Karbianglong Autonomous council (KAC), Telis Ram, Chairman of Town Committee and Man Singh, MLA from Baithlangso, Debojit Deuri,SP Hamren, MJ Mahanta, SP Karbi Anglong, apart from several senior civil and army officials.
Speaking on the occasion Ranghang said - " Loss of culture is loss of Identity. I thank the Army for organizing such a spectacular three day youth festival that has made the youth aware about the rich cultural heritage through dances and group songs by 11 different tribes of Assam in one venue. Such festivals strengthen the bond between the youth and Army as also channelize the energy of our youth towards the task of tion building."
The objective of Army behind organizing the youth festival was to propagate the concept of tiol integration, spirit of commul harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure amongst the youth by exhibiting their cultural prowess on a common platform.