Patiala, October 24:
Punjab Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema congratulated Vice Chancellor Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill on the organisation of the first Youth Festival at Punjab Sports University. He said that the university was establishing a distinct identity for itself through the Vice Chancellor’s special efforts. Offering all possible support for the university’s progress, he announced that a modern hostel equipped with all contemporary facilities would be constructed for girls at a cost of ₹15 crore. He added that, keeping in view the long-standing demand of sportspersons, reservation for sportspersons in the Punjab Police would be increased from 3 per cent to 10 per cent.
The Finance Minister said that this was the first time students from various colleges had visited Punjab Sports University and participated enthusiastically in the Youth Festival. He said that such initiatives play an important role in nurturing students’ talents and connecting them with Punjab’s rich culture and heritage.
Responding to a question, S. Cheema said that the policies of the BJP were not in line with Punjab’s interests, as a result of which the state was not receiving its rightful share. He alleged that the BJP was targeting Punjab’s farmers, while the Aam Aadmi Party government stood firmly with them. Describing Punjab’s financial position as sound, he said that the Mothers and Daughters Scheme, along with other government schemes, was running smoothly.
On the occasion, Member of Parliament S. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that Punjab Sports University was already playing a leading role in the field of sports and was now moving towards establishing a distinct identity in cultural activities as well. He congratulated Vice Chancellor Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill and the university administration on this initiative.
Sharing details about the Youth Festival, Vice Chancellor Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill said that every possible effort was being made for the university’s all-round development. He said that the main objective of the university’s first Youth Festival was to connect students with Punjab’s disappearing cultural traditions and heritage through cultural activities, alongside sports and academics.
He stated that the festival showcased various aspects of Punjab’s rich culture. Stage events included Giddha, Bhangra, skits, mimicry, traditional songs, folk songs and traditional costume presentations. Competitions in speech, poetry recitation, poster-making and collage-making were also organised.
Similarly, activities under fine arts included traditional cord weaving, making pankhis (handheld fans), creating traditional dolls and garments, making clay toys and preparing rangoli designs. Traditional games such as Shatapu, Geete, rope skipping and tug-of-war were also major attractions.
Dr. Gill said that students from more than 15 colleges across Punjab participated in the festival. The university administration made adequate arrangements for the participants’ accommodation and meals. He said that the festival aimed to identify the hidden talents of students and provide them with opportunities to further develop their skills through cultural activities.
Prominent personalities who attended the event included S. Baljinder Singh Dhillon, Chairman of the Punjab Food Grain Corporation; SDM Gurdev Dham; renowned Punjabi film personalities Sunita Dhir, Binnu Dhillon, Kanwaljit Singh Dhindsa and Swarn Rataul; and hockey Olympian Roopa Saini, along with other distinguished guests. A special performance by renowned Punjabi singer and actor Karamjit Anmol was the main attraction of the festival.
