CHANDIGARH-Saturday, 25th October: The 66th Panjab University Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival 2025, themed "Nurture the Nature for a Sustainable Future," was inaugurated with immense enthusiasm at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, today.
The festival, being held in two phases (October 25-26 and November 1-2, 2025), will be participated in by around 3000 students from 23 colleges affiliated with Panjab University, competing in various events including music, dance, theater, literary, and fine arts. On the first day, around 750 students showcased their talent through 33 items in different categories of music, heritage quizzes, creative writing, handwriting, fine arts, and traditional heritage items, which were organized at multiple venues.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, and Dr. Sukjinder Singh Rishi, Director of Youth Welfare, Panjab University.
General Secretary of GGDSD College Society, Prof. Dr. Anirudh Joshi, extended a warm welcome to the chief guests and esteemed audience. He recounted the festival’s history, underscoring its significance in showcasing the talents of youth.
Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig highlighted the university’s glorious history and academic strength, noting the achievements of its alumni across various fields. She emphasized the significance of youth talent, fostering relationships, and contributing to nation-building.
Chief Secretary Sh H. Rajesh Prasad expressed pride in visiting GGDSD College, which has about 10,000 students, accounting for 25% of Chandigarh’s student population. He emphasized the importance of reskilling, reengineering, and staying updated in multidisciplinary fields while living in the era of artificial intelligence. Parents, teachers, and knowledge-givers are living gods. Youth are true agents of social change and should realize the dream of making India a developed nation by 2047, added Chief Secretary Sh Rajesh.
Dr. Sukhjinder Singh Rishi, Director, Youth Welfare, Panjab University, emphasized the importance of showcasing youth talent on larger stages. He further stressed that connecting heritage with modern platforms would help youth shine with confidence.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the principal of the college, Dr. Ajay Sharma.