“Shaheed ki chitao par lagege har baras mele…. Watan par mitne walo ka baki yahi nishan hoga…..!!!!”
Eyes filled with tears, pain of loss easily visible on each face, air filled with patriotic songs. No one could stop their tears from rolling down when candles were lightened in the memory young and brave Lt. Archit Verdia. A huge crowd gathered at the ‘Shaheed Smarak’ of Town Hall yesterday, the 26thof July, co-incidentally, which was also the Kargil day, to pray for his departed soul.
His mother, Mrs. Beena Verdia, and sister, Devyani Verdia, were also present there. Though their hearts were deeply engrossed in the grief of losing their 23 yrs old young son, but their heads were held high as they knew that Archit has not died, but has become immortal in the heart of every Indian. His late father will be brightly shining as a star seeing the bravery of son who has fulfilled his dreams of seeing his son as a soldier. We salute to this family for giving a great soldier to this country.
It has been known that Lt. Archit Verdia left this world on 20th of this month while trying to save his colleagues who were caught in fire at an army camp of Siachen Glacier. Born on January 20, 1988, Archit completed his +2 from The Study School, Udaipur. He got his training from Officer’s Training Academy, Chennai and was posted in the Indian Army about one and half years back.
Udaipur has never witnessed the pain of losing a soldier at the border. But today when we look at Archit, every hand comes up in reflex to give a salute to him. His funeral will be held today at Rani Road at 9 a.m. after his body will be brought to his hometown with due respect.
We all have been through a great loss. Udaipur has lost a brave child. We all pray for the peace of the departed soul, and also salute the spirit of the soldier.
Finally it was the 16th of January, when the 16th National Youth Festival ended, everyone was sad for they had enjoyed a new world in these days, as the whole India was brought to our own beautiful city of lakes for 12th to 16th January, and yes, we too were happy and proud to host such a great festival in our city for the first time, which was otherwise held in the capital cities of the states only.
Everyday there were variety of competitions at different locations of our city, along with a great night show in the Maharana Bhupal Stadium (Gandhi Ground). For those who have missed any part of the NYF, here we bring to you a complete wrap up of these Festive days
Here below I am mentioning the day by day different events that were held throughout the city. But before that take a look on two events that was open for all the days.
1. Yuvakriti: The mouth watering food festival at Shilpgram
Inaugurated by the sports minister, Mr. M.S. Gill, this was a mouth watering event open for all Udaipies; different cuisines were prepared which represented the complete India in Shilpgram itself. They were available at a price scheme of NO PROFIT NO LOSS fixed by the organisers.
2. Adventure Camp at Railway Training College ground
This place was all about the thrill, the excitement, and huge bursts of adrenaline rushes. Para-sailing, Para-gliding, Hot-air balloon thrilled Udaipies to the extreme.
DAY-1 (12th January 2011): Opening
This day marked the opening of the youth festival in our city opening ceremony was held in Gandhi ground in the day. It was inaugurated by our hon’ble Vice President of India Mr. Hamid Ansari, in presence of the delegates from SAARC, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, Sports Minister Mr. M.S. Gill, and many more honourable guests.
There was a march past of all the participant states in which the city witnessed the overwhelming spirit and culture of entire India
Night Show: At night, there was a laser show depicting the life of Swami Vivekananda, followed by massive boosts of fireworks, and then foot tapping performance by Punjabi singer Jasbeer Jassi.
Day-2 (13th January 2011)
The day was full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: There was a show by Sudesh Bhosle at night in the Gandhi ground.
Day-3 (14th January 2011)
A Day full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: A heart throbbing performance by Rock Bands made people thrill to their max. The show was started by “Soulmate”, followed by “Mystic Rhythms” and finally the excited adrenaline rush was taken to the extreme by “Parikrama”.
Day-4 (15th January 2011)
A Day full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: Much awaited performance by Sonu Nigam who made Udaipur wait for his entry for a long time. Uncontrollable crowd made the work of Police Force and the security much difficult. But finally he entered the show, and really rocked it.
Day-5(16th January 2011): Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was held in Railway Training College ground, where there were amazing stunts performed by the Indian Armed Forces. Nine divers of Indian Air Force, from the team “AKASHGANGA”, headed by Wing Commander Jai Kishan, were dropped by an IAF Aircraft. They showed their extra-ordinary courage and performed different styles after jumping from an altitude of 5000feet carrying the Indian National Flag.
This was followed by the acrobatics and stunts, the “DAREDEVILS” team of Indian Army (Military Police). All were equipped with their “SAFED ASHWA/WHITE HORSE” which were white coloured Bullet motorcycles, and did amazing wonders with them, along with the stunts; there were two army men, dressed as jokers who amused the audience with their crazy stunts.
For a detailed photo story on the Daredevil Show, Click here
There was performance by the army band, which was followed by cultural programmes, and the prize distribution ceremony, and finally the Youth Festival said “Good Bye Udaipur” with a pledge to keep alive the spirit of “Sabse Pehle Bharat” forever.
We are thankful to our team members as well as our contributors for getting us news updates, photos and videos from across all parts of the city for all these days of the youth festival.
On 15th of January 2010, Udaipur witnessed an amazing and heart-throbbing event which took place at the Railway Training College Ground. The ground was full with crowd, and the city witnessed first of its kind bike stunt show by the Indian Daredevils on account of celebration for the National Youth Festival. Every witness wowed on every move of our Indian Army men who were just doing miracles on their bullet motorbikes.
Video of these Biking dare devils on final day of NYF2011
Believing in the saying – “Actions speak louder than words”, we end up the text here only, leaving below a complete photo story of the thrilling day at Railway Training College.
On 15th of January 2010, Udaipur witnessed an amazing and heart-throbbing event which took place at the Railway Training College Ground. The ground was full with crowd. Every witness wowed on every move of our Indian Army men who were just doing miracles on their bullet motorbikes.
Believing in the saying – “Actions speak louder than words”, we end up the text here only, leaving below a complete photo story of the thrilling day at Railway Training College.