DEHRADUN: The twentieth edition of NABARD’s all-India sports and cultural meet, XX NABOTSAV 2025, begins in Dehradun today, marking a major national gathering of the institution’s employees and teams from across the country. The annual event, organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), coincides this year with Uttarakhand’s silver-jubilee celebrations, adding ceremonial significance to the four-day programme.
Our correspondent reports that the inaugural ceremony to be held at the Parade Ground will be attended by senior officials and dignitaries, include NABARD Deputy Managing Director G. S. Rawat, Uttarakhand Sports Secretary Amit Sinha, NABARD Chief General Manager (HRMD) P. Dinesh from Mumbai, and Chief General Manager of NABARD’s Uttarakhand Regional Office Pankaj Yadav.
Officials said the meet aims to promote camaraderie, wellness and cultural exchange among employees posted in different states and regional offices. The programme is expected to witness strong participation from teams representing multiple regional offices, specialised units and administrative divisions.
Six Competitive Events Across Multiple Venues
The organisers have scheduled competitions in six sporting and cultural categories: badminton, table tennis, carrom, chess, cricket and singing. The events will take place across key locations in the city.
Badminton and table tennis will be held at the Parade Ground, carrom and chess at the Red Fox Hotel, cricket at the Heritage Cricket Academy and the singing competition, along with the closing ceremony, at the Survey of India Auditorium.
A senior NABARD official said that the meet reflects the organisation’s commitment to employee well-being. “NABOTSAV is not only a sporting occasion but an important platform for strengthening teamwork, leadership and cultural bonding among our workforce.”
Participation And Mascot
Around 330 participants from across India have reached Dehradun to take part in the competitions. The organisers said that the large turnout demonstrates the growing enthusiasm for the meet each year.
Adding to the festival’s identity, NABARD has unveiled its mascot “Kasturi”, inspired by the musk deer, Uttarakhand’s state animal. Officials said the mascot symbolises agility, grace, determination and the cultural ethos of the hill state. “The musk deer is a reminder of both ecological responsibility and regional heritage,” an official observed.
Significance Of NABOTSAV
NABOTSAV is the institution’s flagship national cultural and sports event, conducted annually to promote holistic development and encourage employees to participate in creative and recreational activities beyond workplace responsibilities. Since its inception, the event has served as an important forum for interaction among officers and staff stationed across India’s regional offices, district development branches and head-office divisions.
Organisers said that the Dehradun edition has been curated to celebrate both the spirit of competition and the legacy of Uttarakhand, which marks 25 years of statehood this year. Several cultural elements and local motifs will be included in the ceremonies, complemented by participation from officials of the state government.
A coordinator of the event explained: “This year’s meet is special because it is being hosted in a state celebrating its silver jubilee. We have integrated local cultural elements and ensured that participants experience the region’s hospitality and heritage.”
Expected Outcomes
Sports-development officers within NABARD believe that the meet can improve employee motivation and organisational cohesion. Analysts say events of this scale help institutions promote both physical fitness and workplace camaraderie, leading to higher productivity and morale.
The competitions will run until November 29, after which the closing ceremony will take place at the Survey of India Auditorium. Results will be shared across regional offices, and outstanding performers will be recognised for excellence in their respective categories.
As Dehradun welcomes participants from across the country, the beginning of XX NABOTSAV 2025 marks a vibrant convergence of sport, culture and institutional unity in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Adding to the excitement, NABARD has unveiled the official mascot “Kasturi”, inspired by the state animal of Uttarakhand, the Musk Deer, symbolizing agility, grace, and cultural pride.
Swaroop covers local, national, and youth sports with a focus on athletes and sporting events from Uttarakhand and from everywhere else. He reports on cricket, football, athletics, and grassroots tournaments across the state. His coverage highlights sportsperson journeys, regional talent development, and the challenges facing sports infrastructure in the hills.
As the VUK Sports Correspondent he provides detailed coverage of sporting events across Uttarakhand, India, and the world. From local leagues to international championships, he highlights the performances, challenges, and spirit of athletes. Each report aims to capture not just the scores but also the stories behind the game. Readers can rely on consistent updates that bring the excitement of sports directly to them.
