By Sohaib Ahmad
Sochi, Russia: The 19th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) is in progress in the sports capital of Russia, Sochi where around 30,000 participants from over 180 countries including Pakistan have gathered to review the future of the youth in the world.
The opening ceremony of the much awaited mega event was held on October 15 at the Bolshoi Ice Dome. The national anthem of the Russian Federation was played to mark the start of the opening ceremony. Around 10,000 young men and women from different walks of life were present for the grand opening.
The show consisted of some short documentaries based on the positive changes and contribution made by the individuals from around the world. Each individual came to the stage accompanied by a renowned Russian artist or singer to explain his or her struggle for the cause and the singer would sing a supporting song relevant to the individual’s work.
As the show progressed, a young man rushed to the center stage and called out her girlfriend to join him. When she joined him, the young man went down on his knee and holding out a ring, he asked her to marry him. Surprised by the whole situation, the young girl accepted the proposal after shouts of “Yes, Yes….” from the audience echoed her ears. If one thinks that this was the best part of the entire ceremony, one must brace oneself for what is coming next.
Everyone – and literally everyone was caught by surprise when the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin’s name was announced to address the participants of the 19th WFYS.
Russian President’s appearance and his speech really invigorated the audience.
Russian President’s appearance and his speech really invigorated the audience. He welcomed all to the festival. He mentioned that this festival would be the most comprehensive than all its previous editions.
He mentioned that the youth from around the globe had come together for a shared vision of freedom, peace, and harmony for the entire planet. Praising the youth for their ability to come up with new ideas and challenge the status quo, he urged the participants to display courage and be in control of their own future. He told them that this union would serve as a platform to translate their dreams into reality. He declared the festival open wishing all a happy journey.
Performances from a popular band OneRepublic really electrified the audience as they danced to their songs. The opening ceremony was concluded with an impressive display of fireworks.
The show truly lived up to its name “The Awakening.” It really was an awakening for who were present.
Throughout the festival, a wide range of programs have been arranged for the participants. These include cultural programs, education, science and sports. Cultural shows, exhibitions from different countries, games, lectures and seminars – it’s all happening here.
It was great to see countries like Syria, Egypt and Palestine take part in the festival with great zeal and fervor. This proves that the participants are determined to defeat imperialism, and struggle for peace and harmony. Participants from Pakistan are also attending this event and cultural troupe from Pakistan is all ready to mesmerize the world with their performances today and tomorrow.
It is pertinent to mention that Sochi is situated on the Black Sea and near the breathtakingly beautiful snowcapped peaks of Caucasus Mountains.
