Patiala, November 12 (Paramjit Singh Parwana):- Punjabi University’s Inter-Regional Youth and Folk Festival commenced today with the Bhangra competition. The festival, being organised by the University’s Department of Youth Welfare, was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Dr Jagdeep Singh. Addressing the gathering, he said that these festivals hold immense importance in preserving our rich Punjabi heritage and passing it on to the younger generation. He said that these festivals are a distinctive identity of Punjabi University. He added that the important objective behind the establishment of the institution—to promote the Punjabi language and culture—is being effectively advanced through the artistic performances presented at these festivals. Emphasising the need to connect the younger generation with its heritage in the present scientific age, he said that these festivals are meaningful efforts in this direction.
Director of Youth Welfare Prof. Bhiminder Singh, in his welcome address, informed that teams which had won at six regional youth festivals were participating in this event. He said that competitions in various artistic disciplines would be held over four days at five different venues across the University campus, and the results would once again be announced on the final day. He informed that, besides Bhangra, the competitions held on the first day included group choreography, group Shabad/Bhajan singing, classical vocal music, mime, skit, quiz, Punjabi folklore and culture quiz, crochet work, making traditional waistbands, embroidery, making hand fans, making dolls and toys, making parandas, rope twisting, basket making, making Chhikku, weaving Pirhis, making clay toys, and making Khiddo and Innu. Among others, Dean Academic Affairs Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar and Registrar Dr Ajita were also present at the inaugural session.
