LUDHIANA
A thoughtful and colorful cultural procession marked the formal inauguration of the “Inter-College Youth Festival 2017-18” at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The students of four constituent colleges of PAU took out a cultural procession, highlighting vital issues such as drug addiction, dowry, female foeticide, rising expenses on show offs, farmers’ indebtedness and suicides, depleting natural resources, etc. Dressed up in multihued traditional attires, the youth made a call for giving up drugs, saving girl child, cutting superfluous expenditure, adopting simplicity in life and conserving precious resources (water, soil, etc.). Participants also regaled the audience with their scintillating performances in folk song and dance items. In addition, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. On the occasion, the gathering took pledge for national unity and harmony.

Inaugurating the fest, the Chief Guest, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, stressed on preserving virasat (heritage) and maintaining discipline in life. He said participation in cultural activities and sports played an important role in enhancing personality. “The PAU has been adjudged as the Best State Agricultural University by the ICAR, New Delhi and the Second Best Agricultural University (NIRF ranking) by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development. In addition, it has been declared numero uno by the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding for the development of landmark varieties, Confederation of Indian Industry for publications and citations, and ICAR for All India Coordinated Research Project on farm implements. Two students getting Jawaharlal Nehru Award and five Prime Minister’s Fellowship, this year, also deserve all appreciation,” he added. Dr Dhillon exhorted the faculty and the students to continue working hard to retain these positions. “Uphold the flag and name of the country, state and the institution,” he said to the students.

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr (Mrs) R.K. Dhaliwal, Director Students’ Welfare, PAU, highlighted the importance of four Ds in life- dedication, devotion, determination and discipline. The University has produced renowned scientists, litterateurs, artists, sports persons and academicians, she said. Youth festivals promote cultural activities and enable the students to develop self-confidence, she added.

Dr (Mrs) Neelam Grewal, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, PAU, proposed the vote of thanks.