Elevating the rich Indian cultural heritage, the 37th Inter-University National Youth Festival entered the fourth day at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. Items entailing folk and tribal dances, mimicry, skit, mime, group song western, quiz (final), classical instrumental solo (non-percussion), western instrumental (solo), spot painting, photography, installation, and debate dominated the youth festival. The talented pool, which has converged at PAU from different states of India, nurtured and outpoured their creativity, diversity, intensity and versatility in dance, theatre, music, fine arts and literary events.

Dressed-up in their colourful traditional and western outfits, the students struck a chord with the spectators by unleashing high-powered performances as well as exuding grace and elegance in folk and tribal dances, group song western, classical instrumental solo, and western instrumental (solo). While enacting skits which mirrored the baffling issues of the society, the student-characters’ facial expressions, ingenuity, dialogue delivery and on a whole, acting skills won the applause of the audiences. Besides, students oozed with confidence while debating vociferously on the topic, “The United Nations is losing its Relevance.” The site-specific photography on the topics ‘Shadow,’ ‘Mood,’ ‘Nature/Landscape,’ ‘Perspective’ and ‘Abstract,’ depicted participants’ keen eye for the objects and surroundings. On the spot painting on the topic ‘Youth Festival’ reflected painters’ visions, thoughts and dreams with brush on the canvas via myriad tones.

Padma Shri Sardar Surjit Singh Patar, a noted Punjabi writer and poet, was the chief guest on the occasion. He observed, “If nation wishes to make a sound progress and consolidates its gains in all the spheres, then the power of the youth should not be undermined, but rather be given a chance to live, think and express as members of the one family – Indians.”

The guest of honour Dr Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala, stated that the educational institutions as well as youth festivals played a constructive role in offering a plethora of opportunities to the students, providing them with the wings to fly and enabling them to realize their goals.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, observed that the on-going national youth festival speaks of the richness of Indian democracy via the blend of multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural milieu. “The extraordinary display at the youth fest showcases that art and life are inter-connected and integral for our existence,” he added.

Mr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, while lauding the brilliant performances of the students, said that these youth festivals were ‘well-founded’ for the ‘well-rounded’ development of the youths, upon whom lied the destiny of the entire nation.

Welcoming the dignitaries and the participants, Dr Nirmal Singh Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, remarked that cultivating innovation, unveiling talent, providing stimulation and garnering admiration together exemplified the all-round impact of the symbolic insignia ‘HUNAR 2024 – Harvesting National Talent.’

A brainchild behind the making of logo ‘HUNAR,’ Mr Satvir Singh, Supervisor (Cultural Activities), PAU, informed that all the items have been wrapped-up today with the extraordinary performances of the students. The declaration of results will take place at valedictory ceremony, scheduled to be held tomorrow at Dr AS Khera Open Air Theatre at 11.00 am, he told.