Ludhiana's Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Gadvasu) recently erupted in a vibrant display of Punjabi culture, transforming its campus into a dynamic hub of traditional arts and youthful energy. The occasion was the university's ongoing youth festival, where students passionately participated in a series of competitions dedicated to preserving and celebrating their rich heritage.
A Tapestry of Traditional Competitions
The festival featured several deeply rooted Punjabi traditions. The turban tying contest emerged as the day's highlight, with participants demonstrating remarkable precision and elegance as they crafted various traditional styles. In a separate event, the art of mehndi application was on full display, with students creating intricate and artistically meritorious designs that required immense patience. The lambi gutt (long plait) competition beautifully highlighted traditional Punjabi grooming aesthetics, while powerful Kavishri performances captivated the audience with rhythmic and poetic recitations.
Leadership Applauds Cultural Passion
University Vice-Chancellor Dr. J. P. S. Gill expressed great satisfaction with the overwhelming student participation. He described the festival as a profound celebration of creativity and collective identity. "These competitions beautifully reflect the cultural richness of Punjab," Dr. Gill stated. "Our youth festival is not just an event but a celebration of traditions, creativity, and collective identity. I am delighted to see students embracing Punjabi heritage with such passion and skill."
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. R. S. Aulakh, Director of Students' Welfare, emphasized that such activities are crucial for connecting the youth to their roots, fostering confidence, and encouraging artistic expression. The organizing secretary, Dr. S. P. S. Ghuman, praised the exceptional teamwork that made the event a memorable success and noted that the overwhelming response clearly shows how deeply students value their cultural traditions.
Celebrating the Winners
The competitions concluded with enthusiastic participation and spirited performances, culminating in the announcement of the winners. In the prestigious turban tying event, Sehajpreet Singh Gill from the College of Animal Biotechnology secured first place. Sandeep Singh from the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology took second place, while the third position was jointly shared by Arshdeep Singh and Manpreet Singh.
For the mehndi application competition, Riya from the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology won first prize. Avreen Kaur from the College of Veterinary Science was the runner-up, and Anjali Paswan from the College of Animal Biotechnology came in third. The lambi gutt competition saw Ravjot Sharma take the top spot, followed by Harsh and Shweta Rani. Finally, the Kavishri category was dominated by talented teams from the College of Veterinary Science and the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology.
