Chandigarh, 7 September: The Department of Home Science at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women organised ‘धरोहर 3.0’- a vibrant talent hunt celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage, with a special focus on the colourful traditions and craftsmanship of Punjab. The initiative provided students with a platform to reconnect with traditional art forms while exploring their creativity and honing their skills.

Students from various streams participated enthusiastically in a diverse range of competitions, including Phulkari/Bagh Embroidery, Cross-Stitch Embroidery, Crochet, Knitting, Rangoli, Naala Making, Paranda Making, Guddiyaan-Patole, Khiddo Making and Mehendi Designing. The activities provided participants an opportunity to demonstrate creativity, precision, patience and craftsmanship while engaging with traditional techniques. A distinctive cultural dimension was added by the vibrant display of Punjabi crafts such as Phulkari, Bagh, Paranda and Guddiyaan-Patole. Deeply rooted in the social and artistic traditions of Punjab, these crafts embody the region’s cultural identity, aesthetic sensibilities and rich legacy of storytelling. The participants showcased how simple materials can be transformed into aesthetically appealing creations through skill, patience and innovation. A significant feature of ‘धरोहर 3.0’ was its emphasis on experiential learning. Instead of merely learning about traditional crafts, students actively engaged with the materials, techniques and creative processes involved in their making. This hands-on experience helped them develop practical skills, creativity, aesthetic appreciation and confidence, while fostering a deeper connection with India’s cultural legacy. The initiative also highlighted the contemporary relevance of traditional skills. With growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable and culturally rooted products, heritage crafts offer significant scope for innovation, creative expression and entrepreneurship. By providing students with opportunities to engage with these skills, initiatives such as ‘धरोहर 3.0’ can contribute to transforming traditional knowledge into meaningful contemporary avenues for creativity and enterprise. The competitions were particularly significant in underscoring the importance of preserving Punjab’s living cultural heritage. Crafts such as Phulkari and Bagh are not merely decorative art forms but powerful expressions of identity, tradition and collective memory. By acquainting young learners with these heritage practices, the event contributed to keeping these traditions relevant, vibrant and meaningful for future generations.

Officiating Principal Ms Neena Sharma commended the Department of Home Science for organising an initiative that effectively integrated heritage, creativity, craftsmanship, skill development and experiential learning. She appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the students and emphasised the importance of preserving India’s traditional knowledge systems and the rich cultural heritage of Punjab while encouraging the younger generation to carry these traditions forward.