The Annual Youth Fest 2024 took place at Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong, with the theme “Young People: The Pilgrims of Hope.” The event drew over 1,700 young people from Shillong and nearby regions, making it a vibrant celebration of youth, faith, and hope.
The Youth Fest 2024 began with a vibrant atmosphere as participants arrived early in the morning, full of enthusiasm and anticipation. Registration was handled efficiently by the event volunteers, ensuring a smooth start. Following this, a warm welcome was extended to the esteemed Chief Guest, setting a positive tone for the day. The event officially commenced with a solemn Holy Eucharist, led by a Rev. Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of Shillong Province, who in his homily, focused on the event’s theme of hope, urging the youth to embody faith, love, and service in their lives.
The inauguration ceremony was a moment of inspiration, with symbolic gestures such as the lighting of the lamp, representing the illumination of hope. A beautifully performed prayer dance further deepened the sense of reverence. The welcome speech recognized the importance of the day, and the felicitation of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries reflected the mutual respect and admiration shared among the participants and organizers. The cultural performances that followed were both colourful and expressive, highlighting the region’s diverse traditions. Smti. Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, the chief guest, inspired the young audience by emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future of the state. She urged them to maintain a balance love and commitment, cautioning against allowing these values to undermine their faith.
Following the formal speeches, a range of performances continued to captivate the audience. The event also included the distribution of prizes, recognizing the exceptional talents of the youth, and concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone involved.
As the morning activities came to an end, a lively animation session offered a fun interlude before lunch, where participants had the opportunity to connect and share their experiences.
The afternoon session of the Youth Fest 2024 was a vibrant cultural showcase, celebrating the rich traditions and talents of the region’s youth. The session began with a captivating prayer dance, setting a serene and reflective mood. A welcoming speech followed, acknowledging the presence of distinguished guests and expressing gratitude for their support.
A series of stunning dance performances from various communities showcased the unique cultural heritage of the region. Groups from different localities performed traditional dances with colourful costumes and energetic choreography, captivating the audience and celebrating the diversity of the youth present. Each performance was a testament to the creativity, passion, and dedication of the participants, making the cultural program a visual and emotional treat.
Shri. Kyrmen Shylla, Cabinet Minister of the Government of Meghalaya, addressed the gathering as a Chief Guest. In his speech, he emphasized the significant role young people play in shaping the future. He encouraged the youth to harness their energy and creativity for the betterment of society, urging them to be active participants in their communities. Shri. Shylla spoke about the importance of values such as perseverance, responsibility, and faith, motivating the young audience to contribute positively to both their personal growth and the development of their state. His words were an inspiring call to action, resonating deeply with the youth in attendance.
Smti. Rosetta M. Kurbah IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, delivered a powerful address as the Special Chief Guest during the cultural events. In her speech, she not only encouraged the youth to stay resilient and hopeful but also emphasized the crucial role they play in preserving their cultural heritage in an increasingly modern world. She spoke about the rapid changes brought by globalization and modernization, which often challenge traditional values and practices. She urged the young people to embrace progress without losing sight of their roots, highlighting that their unique cultural identity is a source of strength.
She called upon the youth to actively engage in safeguarding and promoting their customs, languages, and traditions, ensuring these are passed down to future generations. At the same time, she encouraged them to balance cultural preservation with personal growth, education, and innovation. Her message was clear: the youth have the responsibility to carry their rich heritage forward while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Smti. Rosetta Kurbah’s inspiring words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them of the importance of staying connected to their cultural identity while shaping a bright, progressive future.
The afternoon’s cultural showcase continued with more lively performances, each group bringing its unique flavour and energy to the stage. The session culminated in the distribution of mementos, recognizing and honouring the youth for their participation and creativity, a symbolic gesture to celebrate their contributions.
The day concluded with a fun-filled tea and jam session, where the participants got a chance to unwind, socialize, and reflect on the inspiring moments of the day. The atmosphere was filled with joy, as the youth departed with renewed hope and memories to cherish
The Annual Youth Fest 2024 was a remarkable success, filled with moments of faith, hope, and joy. The event provided a platform for the youth to engage in meaningful discussions, showcase their talents, and draw inspiration from each other and the esteemed guests. The festival was a testament to the enthusiasm and spirit of the young generation, encouraging them to continue being “Pilgrims of Hope” in their daily lives.
