Gaurav Veer’s journey from bhangra performer to student council president

Sporting a huge smile and settling his hair, Gaurav Veer Sohal rose from his chair as the result of the fourth round for the post of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) president flashed on the board. The 200-vote lead was enough to assure the young law research scholar of his new role as the ‘PUCSC president’. The first call he made was to his twin brother — Harsh Veer Sohal, who sometimes filled in for him during the election campaign.

After hanging up, Gaurav, who had represented his college thrice in bhangra at the Panjab University Youth Festival, marked a signature jump to a loud cheer of his supporters.

“Harsh supported me throughout my campaign. He left his preparation for the law exam and was always by my side during the campaign. He is my twin brother. We were born within a few minutes of each other,” said Gaurav Veer.

Though Gaurav claimed to have no political background, he had his connection with ABVP. His maternal uncle Lajwant Singh Virk is a former senator of Panjab University and was once the face of ABVP in students’ politics on the campus. His twin brother is a member of Rashtriya Kala Manch (RKM), which is affiliated to ABVP. “My uncle guided me and it’s because of my seniors and supporters that I am witnessing this day,” said Gaurav.

Asked if local BJP leadership or other representatives of the parent political group supported his campaign, the newly elected president said, “I don’t know whether they will come for the celebratory march, but there was no one from the parent political party during the campaigning…none even from the Yuva Morcha.”

While ABVP won the top post for the first time, there were allegations of the group enjoying support from the authorities citing pressure from the BJP government.

“I have a very clear approach…I am an elected representative of students and will stand for their rights. ABVP has done countless agitations against the authorities and it will continue if they don’t work for the welfare of the students,” he added.