The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Punjab would host the 18th National Youth Festival from January 12 to 16 at the campus of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana where more than 5000 participants from all states and union territories would take part in 18 competitive events.While reviewing the arrangements for this mega event, Mr Badal has also sanctioned Rs 4 crore for the event. He said that it would provide a rare opportunity of cultural exchange and interaction of youth activities. Earlier Punjab had organised 14th national youth festival with a great success in the year 2009.He informed that Vice President of India would grace the inaugural function at Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana on the birthday anniversary of Swami Viveka Nand. He also added that more than 2000 young artists would also exhibit their folk arts including competitive events like folk dance, classical dance, one act play and musical instruments. Besides this conferences, seminars and debates on various current topics would also be the held. The Department of the youth services, Punjab would be the nodal agency to organise the event with the collaboration of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Secretary Sports and Youth Services Ashok Kumar Gupta, IG Ludhiana NS Dhillon, Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Rajat Aggarwal and Director Youth Services Hirdeypal Kaur.