The 37th Inter-University National Youth Festival hosted by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) entered into its third day here today. The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Dr Nirmal Rishi, noted artist and celebrated film actor graced the occasion and inspired the young artists with her sheer magnetic persona. Ms Sakshi Sahni, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana also graced the ongoing festive occasion with her benign presence. She appreciated the vigour and gusto of youth, besides urging the young audience to cast their vote mindfully and meaningfully. Sardar Amanpreet Singh Brar, Member, Board of Management, PAU, also lent his august presence to the festival.

A team from the District Administration led by Mr Krishan Pal, IAS, exhorted the audience to exercise their right to vote in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Each vote is precious, each vote counts, Mr Pal stated, addressing the audience, especially the youth from all over the country who had assembled at the PAU campus to participate in the National Youth Festival. He also led the audience to pledge their participation in exercising their right to franchise. A Nukkad Natak on this theme was also staged by members of an NGO, Initiators of Change.

The PAU campus was also graced by the presence of officials from AIPL Dream City, Ludhiana, Mr Ramit, Mr Dalbir Singh Bedi,Mr Ankit and Mr Rohit who have extended their support to PAU in sponsoring individual trophies and medals of the winners of the National Youth Festival. Mr Sachit Jain, Owner, Vardhman, Vice-Chairman and MD, Vardhman Special Steels Ltd. too lent his gracious attendance to the festival.

The third day of the 37th Inter-University National Youth Festival 2024, remained busy with a host of events conducted simultaneously at six different venues in the PAU campus. A total of 24 participating teams from eight different zones of the country vied with one another in each event.

Twelve One-Act Plays were staged in the Dr AS Khehra Open Air Theatre. Soul stirring theatrical performances, intricately woven plots, intriguing climax, profound messages and excellent dialogue delivery, complete with emotive expressions set the stage on fire and the spectators spellbound.

Folk Orchestra created a magical spell in Dr Manmohan Singh Auditorium, while Western Vocal and Light Vocal music captivated the audience in an ethereal performance, transporting the awe-struck spectators to a different zone altogether.

Soulful rendition of Classical Vocal Solo performances (Hindustani/Karnatak) in the Wheat Auditorium impacted the evolved audience with their ultimate stellar presentation.

Fine Arts created an aura of aesthetic appeal in the Dr DS Dev Examination Hall with a veritable riot of colours where participants aimed to excel in cartooning, mehndi and rangoli competitions.

Meanwhile, elocutors were at their oratorical best while engaging in a war of words, doling out maxims and dictums, voicing opinions and sharing their perspectives in the Elocution competition organised in the Conference Hall of Dr Manmohan Singh Auditorium.

The PAU campus remained vibrant and bustling with activity with more than 2500 students from 119 universities participating in diverse events scheduled over five days. The Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal conveyed his delight in the mass participation of students and underscored the significance of the National Youth Festival in harvesting national talent. Dr Rishi Pal Singh, IAS, Registrar of PAU, shared that the youth of the country are a powerhouse of talent and have the potential to accomplish big.

The campus breathed in joie de vivre as all six venues remained packed with audience wishing to devour each moment of the joyous activities of the Inter-University National Youth Festival.