The 33rd North Zone Inter University Youth Festival 2017-18 “Yuva MMaha Utsav” was jointly organized by the Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala under the aegis of Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and was sponsored by ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India from January 12 -16, 2018. A colourful cultural procession, showcasing the rich diversity of India, was taken out by the contingents of 29 universities from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand .
Inaugurating the fest, the chief guest H. E. Mrs. Judith. K. K. Kon’gama Kapijimpanga, Republic of Zambia congratulated Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana for the gala show and further emphasize upon the importance of role of youth for building of nation. Also she highlighted the historic bonding between Indian and Zambian culture. Zambian students mesmerized the audience with their dance performance depicting the Zambian culture and traditions.
Vice Chancellor, MM(DU) further remarked upon the significance of diversity in India which was quite evident from the youth participants from 29 universities in the “Yuva MMaha Utsav 2018” showcasing diverse cultures. He said that character building and nation building are intricately linked with organization of such fests.
Dr. S. Pari Parameswaran, Observer of the AIU stressed upon the unity in diversity and need of organizing such events which bring youths from all platforms and walks of life unleashing their talents. He also underlined the need for motivating the students to participate in the co-curricular events.
Later Dean Student’s Welfare, MM(DU), proposed the vote of thanks. Different dance forms of three states and two countries were performed by the students of MM(DU) on the day of inaugural to cheer up the students of all the universities. A welcome Dinner for the team managers of participating universities and officials was also hosted by the MM(DU) to interact with the Deans, Directors and officers of the host universities.
The second day of 33rdNorth Zone Inter University Youth Festival 2017-18 saw competitions in Classical Instruments solo (percussion), Classical Instrumental solo (Non-percussion), Quiz (Preliminary, Mains), Collage making, Clay modelling, On the Spot Painting, Mimicry, Classical Dance, Folk/Tribal Dance, Western Instrumental Solo, Elocution and One-Act plays. In quiz, the general knowledge awareness of the participants was assessed to a significant level. Besides, innovative minds exhibited their artistic and creative skills on the themes “Brahmin, Landscape through my window, terrorism” during the collage making competition. In the clay modelling event, students gave an artistic touch to the clay models, designed on the themes “Mother and Child, Animal, Army”. Apart from this, students display their theatrical skills on various social evils and highlighted women’s conditions and plight of rural India during one act play.
During the Elocution competition, participants expressed their views vehemently on the topic “Diversity of India” The event displayed the rich traditions and heritage of Indian culture. This further promotes unity in diversity of India, where diversity is obvious and tremendous.
On the completion of events of 2nd day, the Lohri festival was celebrated with the bonfire for the participants of 29 Universities to make them feel like they are celebrating the festival at home.
On the third day of 33rd North Zone Inter University Youth Festival 2017-18 the competitions for One Act Play, Mime, Light Vocal Solo (Indian), Western Vocal (solo), Group Song Indian, Debate, Cartooning, Spot Photography and Poster Making were held simultaneously as per the schedule at dedicated venues. In the cartooning event, students from various universities exhibited their aptitude and talent on the theme “Corrupt”. During On the spot photography competition, students exhibited their photography skills by clicking eye-catching and fascinating pictures.
In debate, participants debated on the topic “The growing scope of the Internet is ending the creativity of youth”. In theatre events, participants highlighted various social vices, prevailing in the society and stressed on the women empowerment. Students also mesmerized the audience with their melodious group songs.
The fourth day of the 33rd North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival 2017-18 was marked by Music, Theatre and Fine arts events. Western Song (group), Classical Vocal Solo(Indian/Karnatak), Skit, Folk Orchestra, Installation and Rangoli events were held. Students from participating universities, clad in colourful traditional attires, enthralled the audience with their foot tapping numbers during Folk Orchestra. The vibrant and thrilling performance by the students in western song (group) and Classical Vocal Solo also kept the audience spellbound. It was a treat to listen to the melodies of the participants. The installation event also saw fabulous creativity of the young minds. Participants exhibited myriad colors and facets of Indian culture. Besides, students demonstrated their aesthetic sense and creativity in rangoli and on the spot painting competitions. The colorful designs of rangoli captivated the onlookers.
On the completion of all the competitions, a dance party was also organized for the participants of 29 universities to integrate the memory of the stay in MM(DU) and sharing their experiences with each other.
The 33rd North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival 2017-18 concluded at the Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) vivacity and gaiety. The fest, presenting cultural diversity of India at its best, was a synthesis of youth, energy and charm. The spectacular performances by the participating students of 29 universities in 26 events received thunderous applause. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar clinched the overall trophy. The festival news bulletin was also released by MM(DU) every day.
In remarks, the chief guest H.E.Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal, Ambassador of Republic of Tunisia expressed concern over the growing negativity in the society and stressed on replacing it with positivity. He stated “Thinking of harming others would lead to nowhere. There is a need to introspect ourselves and learn something from others”. Observing that employment is one of the major concerns in present times, H. E. Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal called for imparting and promoting skill education among the youth.
In remarks, Vice Chancellor, MM(DU) said, “With so many languages and food habits, one can take pride in the rich cultural heritage of this country.” Participation in youth festivals help in having balanced personality, he remarked, while exhorting the students to learn, try and work hard to achieve their goals. He also stressed on strengthening teacher-students relationship.
Dr. S. Pari Parameswaran, Observer, Association of Indian Universities, while addressing the audience, promoted secularism. Stating that it was a well-planned fest, he lauded the efforts of the organisers, MM(DU) students and the supporting staff for making this gala event a grand success.
Dean Student’s Welfare, MM(DU) said, “If you want to win after losing,go to the winners, congratulate them and participate in their victory.” He presented a brief report of the fest, said that AIU entrusted the responsibility of hosting the 33rd North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival 2018 to MM(DU). 29 Universities participated in this Youth Festival, Yuva MMaha Utsav.
Earlier HOD Biotech Department welcomed the dignitaries, students and faculty of different universities. He said “Youth is the wealth of our nation.” These youth festivals groom them as confident youth, ready to conquer the world, he added. The zeal with which the students have participated was overwhelming, he added.
Later,Yuva MMaha Utsav Organising Secretary, while proposing vote of thanks, said that vibrant zeal and vigour of youth was the strength of our nation. He applauded the splendid and marvellous performances of the youth in various events.
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar was declared overall champions & Lovely Professional University, Punjab was declared the overall runner-up. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar was declared champions in music events, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra was declared champions in dance events, Chandigarh University, Mohali was declared champions in theatre events, Lovely Professional University, Punjab was declared champions inliterary events & Punjab University, Chandigarh was declared champions in fine arts events.
While interacting with the students of participating universities, they (students) said that they have had the taste of energy of Haryanvi’s who have been very enterprising, helpful and cooperative to the participants in every way. The participants also appreciated the clean and green environment of MM(DU). The five-day festival was organised successfully with full cooperation of all the participants, team managers, officials from AIU and MM(DU) administration, faculty, staff and students.
Number of Participating Institutes: 29
Number of Participants: 1035
