Department of Youth Affairs & Sports Promotes Youth Empowerment, Creativity & Fitness at Shirui Lily Festival 2025

Ukhrul, May 19: The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur, is proud to announce its vibrant and impactful participation in the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival 2025, celebrating the strength, creativity, and potential of Manipur’s youth. Set against the cultural backdrop of Ukhrul’s iconic festival, the Department will be hosting a series of youth empowerment initiatives, fitness and creative activities under the theme “Empower, Engage, Energize.”

The Department’s pavilion at the festival will serve as a hub of dynamic engagement, featuring:

• Inclusive Food Entrepreneurship Stall titled “Youth Flavors of Manipur,” led by youth activist and entrepreneur Philem Rohan, involving internally displaced persons (IDPs) and differently-abled youth. The initiative showcases inclusive employment and celebrates culinary innovation as a tool for youth empowerment.
• Fitness Challenges and Demonstrations including:
  • Open-air yoga & functional training sessions
  • Sporting challenge showcase by multiple Guinness Book of World Records holder Yambem Gobin Singh known for his elbow strikes of 275 knocks achieved in a duration of one minute–30 sec open challenge punching promoting youth engagement, fitness promotion, and spectator fun
  • Youth fitness competition–Push-up challenge to promote healthy lifestyles among festival-goers with Laithangbam Bidyasagar Singh, Guinness World Records for four-finger push (two arms) by making 85 push-ups in one minute
• Interactive Youth Engagement Zones offering:
  • Live sketch sessions
  • Blank canvas “Your Creative Space” messaging campaign– creative space for festival-goers on #EmpoweredYouthManipur & #YouthforPeace&Progress
• Tree Plantation Drive
• Volunteering & Clean-up Drives – Youth-led initiatives to keep the hills clean
• Trekkers guidance and refreshment distribution by YAS volunteers

Speaking about the activities, Director (YAS), Government of Manipur, Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh said, “Shirui is not just a celebration of heritage, but a vibrant platform that unites youth, culture, and sports under one spirit. Through initiatives like this, we are empowering the next generation to take pride in their roots while striving for excellence. The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports remains committed to nurturing talent and fostering unity across communities.”

The Department invites all Shirui Lily festival visitors to join in this celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity through the lens of youth empowerment. This initiative underscores the Government of Manipur’s unwavering commitment to building a youth-driven future rooted in strength, inclusion, and opportunity.

(Issued by Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur)