The Inter-College Youth Festival 2025-26 got off to a colourful start at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today amidst ecstatic and elated spirits of the youths from the constituent colleges of the agri-varsity. Bringing home different social, economic and political issues during the cultural procession, the youths dressed-up in a multi-hued attires voiced grave concern over the vices (drugs) clutching the society, rising influence of western culture posing a threat to cultural roots, crop residue blaze blanketing the region with smog, growing disharmony among the communities leading to tensions among neighbors, thus making a call for righteous path, ardent respect for cultural heritage, disciplined life, and mutual harmony among the mankind. The vibrant atmosphere of AS Khera Open Air Theatre came alive with the high-powered performances of the students in solo dance, duet song, light vocal solo, group song India and group song folk dance items.
The Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal was the chief guest, while a renowned Punjabi singer Sarabjit Cheema was the guest of the honour. Popular Punjabi artist Malkit Rauni and granddaughter of former Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Partap Singh Kairon, Kumari Kushal were the special guests on the occasion. The members of the PAU Board of Management Dr Ashok Kumar and Mr Amarjit Singh Dhillon were among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural ceremony.
Addressing the youths, Dr Gosal observed that these youth festivals acted as a pedestal for the youths, giving birth to budding artists and inspiring them to carve a niche for themselves in their respective fields. Participation is more significant than winning as it was a stepping stone to success, he remarked. Commending the unbeatable energy of the youths for participation in the week-long youth festival, Dr Gosal reiterated the PAU’s unwavering commitment to the youths’ over-all personality development with a sharp focus on the blend of academics and co-curricular activities.
Enthralling the audience with the emotional essence of his voice, a noted singer Cheema recalled his sweet memories of youthful days from where he had risen to a star as an eminent Punjabi singer. This youth festival platform was a way to numerous opportunities, enabling the students to organize and recognize their inner talent and unlock it in a wide range of events, ultimately opening doors for perfection as professionals, he stated.
Punjabi artist Rauni called the students as the real ‘waris (custodians)’ of the Punjab in addition to being student-artistes.
In his welcome address, Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, said that the three-day event will cover dance, theatre and music items, the most awaited events of the youth fests which promoted unity in diversity and brotherhood among youths.
Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Cultural Activities), shared the programme contours of the fest and advised the students to maintain discipline during the fest.
Dr MIS Gill, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Dr Vishal Bector and Dr (Mrs) Ashoo Toor.
Results
Jasnoor Kaur of College of Community Science, Navpreet Kaur of College of Horticulture, and Jasmeen Kaur of College of Agriculture, Ballowal Saunkhri won top three prizes in solo dance.