In a crescendo of cultural vibrancy and youthful exuberance, the curtains fell on the 37th Inter-University National Youth Festival at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments and a renewed commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of the nation's heritage. The festival, held under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), culminated in a thunderous celebration, amplified by the presence of the iconic Punjabi singer, Gurdas Maan, who mesmerized the audience with his timeless melodies. While Lovely Professional University was declared the overall champions, Banasthali Vidyapeeth and Chandigarh University, Gharuan were ranked second, followed by the following six universities, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerela, University of Kerela, Thiruvananthapuram, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Kurukshetra University and University of Mumbai sharing the third position.

Amidst a sea of enthusiastic participants hailing from every corner of the nation, Gurdas Maan's electrifying performance transported the crowd to a realm of pure euphoria. His soul-stirring renditions of classics such as 'Chhalla', 'Thoda Thoda Hasna Zaroor Chahida' and 'Sanu Ik Vari Apna Bana Le Sonya' ignited a fervent response, echoing the sentiment of gratitude towards the spirited youth of Punjab, who have been instrumental in shaping his illustrious career. Expressing his awe at the abundance of talent showcased on the PAU stage, Gurdas Maan underscored the pivotal role of culture in fostering unity and harmony amidst contemporary challenges. He urged the youth to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding Punjab's cultural legacy, emphasizing its significance as a beacon of peace in turbulent times.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, the Vice Chancellor of PAU, lauded the participants for their exceptional prowess and thanked Gurdas Maan for inspiring the next generation of performers. Dr Nirmal Jaura, the Director of Students Welfare and organizing secretary of the event, expressed pride in PAU's inaugural festival hosting, which witnessed the convergence of over 2200 students nationwide. PAU Registrar Dr Rishi Pal Singh extended a warm welcome, expressing hope that participants would cherish fond memories of their time in Punjab.

The event garnered accolades for its impeccable organization, with Dr SK Sharma, the Chief Observer, commending PAU's seamless execution. Reflecting on the festival's success, Vanasthali University and Gujarat University participants hailed PAU's vision, execution, and hospitality as exemplary. In a resounding tribute to the enduring spirit of Punjab and the values of secularism championed by Sikh Gurus, the festival encapsulated the essence of cultural preservation and collective camaraderie. As the festivities drew to a close, representatives from all participating zones were felicitated, alongside organizers who ensured the event's smooth conduct.

Dr Vishal Bector's coordination of the concluding function ensured a seamless flow of events, culminating in a finale that will be etched in the annals of PAU's history as a testament to the power of youth and cultural vibrancy.

Overall Champions and Winning teams in Light vocal music and cultural procession categories were awarded during the closing ceremony.

Results of Inter-University National Youth Festival:

Light Vocal Music Category:

1st Prize Winners:

Cotton University, Guwahati

Kurukshetra University, Haryana

Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Maharashtra

Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab

JSS Science and Technology University, Karnataka

Krishna University, Andhra Pradesh

Chandigarh University, Punjab

Lovely Professional University, Punjab

2nd Prize Winners:

Bharti Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra

Indra Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalya, Chhattisgarh

Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Bihar

Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot

Dibrugarh University, Assam

Ch. Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani

3rd Prize Winners:

Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur

Devi Ahilya Vishvavidyalya, Indore

Ch Ranvir Singh University, Jind

Manipur University of Culture, Manipur

Savitri Bai Phule University, Pune

Dr Harish Singh Gaur University, Madhya Pradesh

Winners of Cultural Procession - Pool A:

5th Prize Winners :

Jiwaaji University, Gwalior

Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra University, Odisha

4th Prize Winners :

JSS Science and Technology University, Karnataka

Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon

3rd Prize Winners:

Dr Shyama Prasad University, Jharkhand

Barkatullah University, Bhopal

2nd Prize Winners:

Swami Ramanand Marthwada University, Nanded

Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh

1st Prize Winners:

Fakir Mohan University, Odisha

Kumar Bhaskar Verma Sanskrit University, Assam

Winners of Cultural Procession - Pool B:

5th Prize:

APJ Satya University, Gurugram

Manipur University

Raja Ram Singh Tomar University

Punjabi University

Rani Durgawati University

Nagaland University

4th Prize:

Utkal University of Culture

Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerela

Behrampur University, Bihar

Dibrugarh University, Assam

Indira Kala Sangeet University, Chhatisgarh

Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Bihar

3rd Prize:

Bengaluru University

GNDU, Amritsar

Vinoba Bhave University, Jharkhand

Cotton University

Sambalpur University

2nd Prize:

Hari Singh Gaur Central University

Guwahati University

Maharishi Dayanand University

Manipur University

Shivaji University

Swami Vivekananda Subharti University

First Prize:

Parul University

Kurukshetra University

Chandigarh University

University of Mumbai

Lovely Professional University

Vanasthali Vidyapeeth

Following are the Overall Trophy Winners in Different Categories:

Music Trophy:

First Prize: Guru Nanak Dev University

2nd Prize: Lovely Professional University and Chandigarh University

3rd Prize: Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerela, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalya, Indore, and University of Mumbai

Dance Trophy:

1st Prize: Lovely Professional University, Banasthali Vidyapeeth and Parul University

2nd Prize: Guru Nanak Dev University and Manipur University of Culture

3rd Prize: Sri Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Rani Durgawati University, Jabalpur and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru

Theatre Trophy:

1st Prize: Chandigarh University, Gharuan,

2nd Prize: University of Kerela, Thiruvananthapuram and Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak

3rd Prize: Guwahati University, Lovely Professional University, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalgot and Lalit Narayan Mithila University

Literary Trophy:

1st Prize: Jadavpur University, Kolkata

2nd Prize: Lovely Professional University And University of Kerela, Thiruvananthapuram

3rd Prize: The Royal Global University, Assam, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Cotton University, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut and Jiwaji University, Gwalior.

Fine Arts Trophy

1st Prize: Lovely Professional University

2nd Prize: Banasthali Vidyapeeth

3rd Prize: University of Mysore, University of Mumbai, Maharishi Dayanand University, Banaras Hindu University, Punjabi University and Guwahati University.