Zonal youth festival kicks off at SCD college

The Zonal Youth Festival of Panjab University, Chandigarh, began with great enthusiasm at SCD Government College, Ludhiana, on Saturday.

The four-day cultural extravaganza, running from October 11 to 14, has brought together students from 27 colleges to celebrate Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and youthful creativity. The festival was inaugurated by Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), who was joined by Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, PAU, and Dr Sukhjinder Rishi, Director Youth Welfare Department, Panjab University.

Principal Prof (Dr) Gursharn Jit Singh Sandhu delivered the welcome address, while Dr Gosal, in his keynote speech, underlined the importance of youth festivals in fostering creativity, confidence and cultural awareness. The event also saw the release of the college magazine Satluj (2024–25 edition), dedicated to Padma Onkar Singh Pahwa, alumnus and CMD of Avon Group, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Principals of participating colleges were felicitated at the ceremony. The first day witnessed spirited performances across five venues in events such as Shabad/Bhajan, Classical and Group Dance, Folk Orchestra, Poem Recitation, Bhand, and various heritage crafts.

In results declared on Day One, Ramgarhia Girls College, Ludhiana secured the top position in Shabad, followed by A.S. College, Khanna, and SCD Government College, Ludhiana, while Khalsa College for Women was bracketed. In Group Bhajan, Guru Nanak National College, Doraha stood first, with Gobindgarh Public College, Alour, second, and Arya College, Ludhiana, third (S.D.P. College for Women, bracketed).

A.S. College, Khanna, topped Poem Recitation, and Arya College, Ludhiana, led in Muhavaredaar Vartalaap. S.C.D. Government College claimed first place in Bhand.

The festival will continue till October 14 with more literary, cultural and heritage-based competitions.