Ludhiana, Dec 1 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a glittering and vibrant atmosphere at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, which is currently organising the Punjab State Inter-Varsity Youth Festival in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services, Government of Punjab, under the able stewardship of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab; the festival breathed a new vigour when Chief Minister Sardar Mann himself graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The warm aura of the Chief Minister drew a humongous crowd that cheered delightedly as Sardar Mann entered the Dr AS Khehra Open Air Theatre at PAU. The campus was lit with the presence of dignitaries and renowned artists and performers.
PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal accorded a cordial welcome to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann; Sh. Sarvjit Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Sports and Youth Services, Punjab; Sh. Swarnjit Savi, Chairman, Punjab Arts Council; Sh. Ashwani Chaitly, President, Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy; Sh. Madan Lal Bagga, MLA; Sh. Jiwan Singh Sangowal, MLA; Sh. Ashok Prashar, MLA; Sh. Daljit Singh Grewal, MLA; Smt. Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, MLA; renowned artist Sh. Karamjit Anmol; and Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). Dr Rishi Pal Singh, IAS, Registrar, PAU; Dr Ashok Kumar, Member, Board of Management, PAU; Deans, Directors, Officers from the Department of Youth Services and PAU formed the august audience; besides faculty, participating teams, in-charges; team managers; and a thundering crowd that jam-packed the venue.
As the Chief Guest was treated to a breathtaking performance of Folk Orchestra by the participating team from Chandigarh University, Gharuan, followed by folk dance Luddi performed by girl students of PAU and folk dance Jhoomar performed by students from GADVASU, the creative spirit of the artist within took wings; and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, in an informal spirit, cheered the performers.
Appreciating the superb performances, Sardar Mann voiced, “Art cannot be bound within the boundaries of codes and secrecy”; thus, calling for pure transparency and aesthetic performance which truly appeals to the heart of every art lover.
In his address, the joie de vivre could be discerned clearly on the visage of the CM, as he spoke passionately about the rich Punjabi virsa and its legacy which makes us proud Punjabis.
Recounting his own college days in Shaheed Udham Singh Government College, Sunam, where he began his journey as an artist by pursuing poetical recitation, debate and histrionics; Sardar Mann spotlighted the significance of the stage, the dais, countless rehearsals before the final performance, team spirit, humility (phall neeviyan rukhan nu lagde), overcoming initial nervousness, staying focused, improving with each performance et al; besides underscoring the need to excel in academics, and staying connected to family roots too.
Likening the youth to a flying machine, raring to take-off, he urged them to fuel themselves with passion for their dream. Quoting the erstwhile President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Sardar Mann reminded the youth to focus on potential dreams which keep them awake, urging them to look within and allow the intrinsic energy to push them towards success.
Breaking away from the ministerial protocol, the artist within the minister could not be contained; and CM Mann shared several hilarious personal anecdotes, generously quoting from poetry to gurbani.
“Hassan khedan mann ka chao”, thus quoted, Sardar Mann gave a soulful rendering along with renowned Punjabi artist Sh. Karamjit Anmol, his longtime college friend, to the song ‘Tu maghda rahin ve soorja, kammiyan de vehre”.
The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann received a roaring applause, a standing ovation and invariably won numerous hearts with his candid interaction, before departing with the subtle message to preserve ‘Rangla Punjab’.
“Long live Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat”, he added. The CM was felicitated with a colourful Phulkari and a portrait of revolutionary hero, S. Bhagat Singh.
The events of the third day of the Punjab State Inter-Varsity Youth Festival organized by the Directorate of Students’ Welfare, PAU, along with the Department of Youth Services, Punjab, witnessed competitions in the categories of Folk Orchestra, One-Act Plays, Bhand, Mime, Nukkad Natak, Heritage Quiz, Kavishri, Vaar Gayan and Kali.
Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, PAU; S. Kulwinder Singh, Deputy Director, Youth Services, Punjab; Mrs. Rupinder Kaur, Assistant Director, Youth Services, Punjab; and officials from the university as well as the state department coordinated events staged at all five venues of PAU.
It may be mentioned that the Punjab State Inter-Varsity Youth Festival, being hosted at PAU for the first time, celebrates the participation of over 2000 students hailing from 17 public and private universities of Punjab.
