HERITAGE GAMES AT PAU: A BLOCKBUSTER HIT

Ludhiana, July 14, 2023: In a unique and innovative innings, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, kept its date with ‘Punjab Heritage’ by conducting Heritage Games in the PAU grounds today. Under the banner of the Directorate, Students’ Welfare, PAU, a plethora of heritage and folk games were organized, keeping in view their significance in various aspects of culture, society, and personal development. Competitions for girls were conducted in the games - Geete, Steppo and Kotla Chapaki; while competitions for boys were held in the games- Bante, Bandar Killa and Pithoo.

The Heritage Games were inaugurated by Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, who breathes with the conviction that development is a holistic agenda; where science, technology, art, tradition and heritage must integrate for sustainable growth. The PAU grounds were humongously filled with cheering students and faculty, who thronged to witness ‘a chapter from their past’ being relived with gusto and aplomb. Dr Gosal shared that folk games embody our values, customs, and traditions and help us to connect with our cultural roots and gain a deeper understanding of our identity and history. Punjab heritage is rich in its diversity; its legacy having passed down from one generation to the next, since times immemorial. He also exhorted students to continue to hone their motor, physical and mental skills in order to become adept in these games for future participation too.

Dr Gosal further expressed a sense of elation in the fact that the conduct of the Heritage Games in the campus for the first time ever, had fostered a unique social bonding, not only among the native students of the Punjab state, but also encompassed students from other states and communities. It was incredible to witness students from far and away Afghanistan, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, participating in steppo, bante, kotla chapaki etc. The non-native students appeared visibly ecstatic to be enveloped in the warm embrace of Punjabi culture and heritage.

Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director, Students’ Welfare, while sharing the theme of the Heritage Games, elaborated that these games are often played in groups, encouraging interaction, cooperation, and friendly competition. They create a sense of belonging and unity, thereby, strengthening social ties among participants. He shared his pleasure on the huge participation of the students in these games.

Spectators comprising faculty and students were in a festive, jubilant and celebratory mood and reminisced the bygone days of their childhood when they frequently engaged in these games. Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, along with Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director, Students’ Welfare; and Dr Kuldeep Singh, President, Heritage Games, felicitated the winners with certificates and trophies. Officers of the University- Dr RK Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture; Dr TS Riar, Additional Director, Communication; Dr Rupinder Toor, Associate Director, Skill Development; Dr Vishal Bector, Associate Director, Institutional Linkages; among others were present. College of Horticulture and Forestry lifted the Overall Championship (F); while College of Agriculture clinched the Overall Championship (M).

Dr Kuldeep Singh, President, Heritage Games, PAU; and Head, Department of Extension Education, proposed a vote of thanks and also highlighted that the very purpose of these games is to preserve cultural practices to ensure that traditional wisdom is not lost.

Punjab Agricultural University, which has already seen a phenomenal rise in scientific and agricultural research, marked a new chapter in its Diamond Jubilee year celebrations with the conduct of the Heritage Games. It is pertinent to mention that the Museum of Social History and Rural Life, housed in the PAU campus since 1974, was recently included in the Punjab Tourism Map. The University reiterates its commitment to preserve the rich legacy of Punjab’s heritage and foster intergenerational connection with our roots.