Face2News/Chandigarh 

The 38th AIU (Association of Indian Universities) North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival kicked off today at Panjab University (PU), marking its return to the campus after a gap of seven years. The prestigious cultural event will continue until February 5, 2025, and promises to be a vibrant celebration of student talent and creativity. 

The festival began with an impressive cultural procession, featuring contingents from 21 universities across the northern states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh. The procession, which began at the Directorate of Sports, culminated at the Law Auditorium for the inaugural ceremony.

The Chief Guest, Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh Administration, highlighted the importance of such cultural events in shaping holistic personalities and encouraged the youth to embrace creativity for their overall development. 

Adding to the excitement, renowned Sufi singer Kanwar Grewal, the Guest of Honor, captivated the audience with his mesmerising performance, leaving everyone spellbound with his soulful renditions. 

In her keynote address, Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, recounted the glorious history of Panjab University, emphasising its legendary contributions to education and research. She also applauded the organizing team for ensuring a successful start to the festival. 

Dr. Rohit Sharma, Director of the Department of Youth Welfare, introduced the festival's theme, emphasising its significance in fostering artistic talent and cultural unity. Also gracing the occasion were Dr. Arun Patil, Observer from AIU, Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar of Panjab University, and Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, Dean of the College Development Council, who extended their best wishes to the participants and organizers. 

With over 1,000 students participating in the event, the festival is set to showcase an eclectic mix of talent across 27 events, spanning various categories such as Theatre, Music, Fine Arts, Literary Arts, and Dance. The competitions are expected to offer a rich cultural experience, highlighting the creativity, passion, and dedication of students from across the region. 

This year's event, which is expected to attract large audiences, underscores the value of cultural exchange in enhancing student life and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse artistic traditions.