Bathinda, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Main Campus, Bathinda, emerged as the overall champion at the 11th Inter-Zonal Youth Festival–2026, winning the coveted trophy for its performances across cultural, literary and artistic competitions.
Baba Farid College of Engineering and Technology, village Deon, secured second position, while Swami Vivekanand College of Management and Technology, Banur, finished third.
The three-day festival, held from November 11 to 13 at the university campus under the theme ‘Jug Jug Jive Punjab’, concluded with a valedictory ceremony celebrating Punjab’s cultural heritage and the talents of its youth. More than 1,200 students from the university’s constituent and affiliated colleges participated.
Moneesh Kumar, IAS, Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, attended as Chief Guest and presented trophies and prizes. Bathinda SP (City) Aaswant Singh Dhaliwal was the Special Guest.
The concluding day also marked the 246th birth anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The dignitaries paid floral tributes to the former ruler, recalling his leadership, secular outlook and role in uniting Punjab. They urged students to draw inspiration from his values of unity, determination and leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Moneesh Kumar congratulated the university, organisers and participants. He said youth festivals help preserve Punjab’s cultural heritage while giving students a platform to showcase their creativity and talent. He highlighted their role in developing confidence, leadership, teamwork and discipline, and encouraged students to embrace knowledge, innovation and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He also advised them to view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
In category-wise results, MRSPTU Main Campus won the overall trophies in Dance, Theatre and Fine Arts. Baba Farid College of Engineering and Technology secured the overall trophy in Music, while SD College of Pharmacy, Barnala, emerged winner in the Literary category.
The festival featured competitions in dance, music, theatre, literature and fine arts. Performances included Bhangra, Giddha, Luddi and Sammi, folk singing, classical and Western music, instrumental presentations, theatre, poetry, debates, declamation and quizzes. Fine Arts events included painting, poster-making, cartooning, collage-making, Rangoli, Mehndi, clay modelling and traditional Punjabi crafts.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma honoured Dr. Bhupinder Singh Dhot for his 11 years of service as Director, Youth Welfare, since the university’s inception, and his contribution as Coordinator, Cultural Activities, at GZSCCET, Bathinda. Dr. Dhot played a key role in organising 10 inter-zonal youth festivals and promoting cultural and literary activities that brought recognition to the university at state and national levels.
Dhaliwal also congratulated the university leadership, organisers and participants, noting that cultural activities help develop discipline, confidence and teamwork. Vice Chancellor Prof. Sharma said such festivals provide an important platform to identify and nurture students’ talents while strengthening their connection with their mother tongue, traditions and cultural roots. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to holistic student development alongside academic excellence.
The festival was organised by the Department of Youth Welfare under the guidance of Prof. Sharma and coordinated by Director, Youth Welfare, Dr. Iqbal Singh Brar, and his team. Anchors Prof. Gurpreet Singh Soni of MIMIT and Prof. Sunita Kotwal were also appreciated for their stage presentation.
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