Legendary Gurdas Maan Ignites Passion for Punjab Culture in Spectacular Finale of Inter-University National Youth Festival at PAU 

Ludhiana, April 1, 2024: 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.