Marchpast and debate mark start of Inter-College Youth Festival at Nauni

The three-day annual Inter-College Youth Festival began today at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.

The vibrant event, which brings together over 250 students from the university’s four constituent colleges — College of Horticulture (COH), College of Forestry (COF), and the Colleges of Horticulture and Forestry at Neri and Thunag, focuses on promoting the all-round development of students.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the event.

In his address, Sharma praised the university for providing a holistic educational environment that fostered both academic and extracurricular growth.

He emphasised the importance of such activities in shaping students’ personalities and building essential life skills.

He said the youth festival served as a valuable platform for students to develop hobbies and talents that contributed to personal growth and success in life.

Sharma also spoke about the role of social media in bringing global cultures closer, encouraging students to use these platforms to celebrate and promote their own cultural heritage.

Earlier, College of Horticulture Dean Dr Manish Sharma welcomed the chief guest and the participants, urging them to demonstrate their diverse talents and maintain the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the festival.

A marchpast featuring contingents from all four colleges marked the official opening, after which an oath of sportsmanship was administered to the participants.

Dean of Students’ Welfare Dr KK Raina outlined the events planned for the festival — including individual and group competitions in fine arts, literature, theatre, dance and music.

On the opening day, students showcased their creativity in fine arts competitions such as spot painting, collage-making, poster design and ‘rangoli’-making.

In the literary category, participants competed in elocution, debate and extempore events.

Over the next few days, the festival will feature theatre performances (including one-act plays, skits, mime and mono-acting), as well as music competitions in categories like light vocal, patriotic songs and group songs (Indian).

The grand finale will include a lively group folk dance competition. The overall winner of the festival will be determined based on the points accumulated by each college across the various events.