Kurukshetra zone youth fest begins

The 48th zonal youth festival (Kurukshetra zone) commenced at Indira Gandhi National College on Saturday.

Kurukshetra University (KU) Vice-Chancellor Som Nath Sachdeva inaugurated the festival, highlighting the importance of such platforms in nurturing creativity, leadership, social awareness, and cultural values among the youth.

“It is a matter of pride that India demonstrates unity in diversity, and Haryana’s cultural identity holds a unique place on the national map,” Sachdeva said.

He added that the festival was more than just performances, serving as a medium to foster mutual cooperation, harmony, and national spirit among students.

He exhorted students to derive inspiration from great personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, and Rabindranath Tagore, urging the youth to dream big and work with dedication.

He said Kurukshetra University was committed to making youngsters self-reliant and entrepreneurial, and its youth and cultural affairs department played a crucial role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

Cultural performances took place simultaneously at five different stages across the campus.

In his address, College Management Committee president Pawan Garg said the event was a memorable, inspirational, and transformative experience for the youth.

He exhorted participants to reflect excellence and Indian cultural values in their performances.

KU Registrar Virender Pal said the core purpose of such festivals was to bring out hidden talent, build confidence, and cultivate leadership in students.

He added that these platforms encouraged innovation and self-expression.

College Principal Kushal Pal thanked the university’s youth and cultural affairs department for entrusting a rural institution with the “grand” responsibility.

He described the festival as a fusion of tradition and modernity, witnessing vibrant cultural expressions from across the region.

Festival convener Rajesh Kumar said Day 1 competitions included choreography, Haryanvi folk dance (loor), traditional ritual performance, Haryanvi pop song, classical dance (female solo), mime, Sanskrit drama, Haryanvi folk song, general folk song, group song, light classical vocal (Indian), classical vocal solo, group song, on-the-spot painting, poster-making, rangoli, and Sanskrit speech.