Lead story: Soil that nurtures crops, creativity: PAU celebrates rural roots in art

At Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where the rhythms of farming and research usually dominate, the annual youth festival transforms the campus into a vibrant celebration of rural artistry.

This year’s competitions in indigenous crafts such as eennu bnauna (hand embroidery), nalaa banuna (traditional stitching), mitti de khidaune bnauna (clay toy-making), chikku bnauna, pihri bunna, and crochet showcased how skills nurtured in villages continued to inspire creativity among students.

Each performance was a tribute to the soil, the hands that till it, and the imagination that shapes it into culture. The winners spoke with pride about carrying forward traditions in a modern space.

Amarveer Singh of College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, who secured the first place in eennu bnauna, said, “Embroidery is like sowing seeds on cloth. Every stitch carries patience, just like farming.”

Mandeep Kaur from College of Agriculture (COA), Ballowal, added, “Our village crafts are not fading, but are evolving. This festival gives us a chance to show that rural skills are timeless.” Ravneet Kaur of College of Community Science (COCS), who stood third, reflected, “I learnt embroidery from my grandmother. Today, standing on this stage with my work, I feel her blessings guiding me.”

Similarly, Geeta Rani of COA, the winner in nalaa banuna, described her stitches as “stories of resilience that remind us beauty lies in simplicity.” In mitti de khidaune bnauna, Abhishek from COA shared, “Clay toys connect us to childhood and to the earth itself. Shaping clay is like shaping dreams with our own hands.” Damandeep Kaur of COCS, who won chikku bnauna, said, “Crafting with natural materials is a way of respecting the land. It keeps us grounded.”

For pihri bunna, Tanveen Kaur of COA noted, “Weaving is like weaving community bonds. Every thread ties us closer to our roots.” And Alish Kamboj of COA, the winner in crocheting, remarked, “Crochet may look modern, but its rhythm is the same as rural handiwork. It’s meditative, like working in the fields.”

Together, these voices painted a picture of PAU’s Youth Festival as as a living museum of rural Punjab, where agricultural identity finds expression in art, craft, and performance.

The soil that nurtures crops also nurtures creativity, and the students of PAU are proving that cultural heritage can thrive alongside scientific innovation. As the festival continues, the applause in the open-air theatre is not just for the winners, but for the enduring spirit of Punjab.

wuw