*Punjab State Inter-University Youth Festival to Begin in Amritsar from November 30: Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy*

-Heritage Sikh martial art ‘Gatka’ included for the first time in four-day cultural festival

Chandigarh, November 29:The Punjab Government is organising the Punjab State Inter-University Youth Festival at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, from November 30 to December 3. More than 2,500 students from 32 universities across the state will showcase their talent in enthusiastic competitions covering cultural, artistic, singing, dance and other categories.

Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy shared this information while interacting with the media here today. He was accompanied by Kulwinder Singh, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Services, Punjab, and Board Members Sanjeev Chaudhary and Navaldeep Singh.

He informed that 51 different cultural, musical and artistic activities have been included in this youth festival. For the first time, the traditional Sikh martial art Gatka has also been added to this state-level event. Various university teams will showcase their martial skills, adding a remarkable new chapter to this annual festival.

Chairman Goldy said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched several initiatives for the youth and created maximum employment opportunities. In addition, various sports events are being held across the state to develop sports enthusiasm among youngsters.

He further stated that the primary objective of this annual festival is to strengthen coordination among students while preserving, promoting and celebrating the artistic, musical and cultural heritage of Punjab. The festival also aims to connect the younger generation with the state’s historical and pride-filled legacy.

Deputy Director Kulwinder Singh added that during the event, more than 2,500 students from government and private universities across the state will participate in competitions related to literature, culture, theatre, music, dance and fine arts.

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High Commissioner of Ghana to India H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso acknowledges book authored by Harpreet Sandhu dedicated to 350th Martyrdom Year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib

Chandigarh/New Delhi, 29th November :In a significant gesture aimed at fostering cultural and religious heritage ties with Ghana, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, Harpreet Sandhu, had an innovative meeting with newly appointed High Commissioner of Ghana to India H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso at the Ghana High Commission, New Delhi wherein book dedicated to 350th Martyrdom Year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was presented to the High Commissioner of Ghana to India H.E. Mr. Kwasi Obiri-Danso along with set of pious visual literature showcasing the historic shrines having relevance with Ninth Sikh Guru, a traditional stole adorned with Punjabi alphabets, Sikh symbolic heritage Sword signifying Punjab’s rich culture as a step to promote global cultural ties between Ghana and Punjab by State Information Commissioner, Punjab Harpreet Sandhu.

H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso High Commissioner of Ghana to India much appreciated the thoughtful move of State Information Commissioner, Punjab, Harpreet Sandhu to have highlighted the profound historical and spiritual significance related to supreme sacrifice of Ninth Sikh Guru for Ghana High Commission. He further stated that this initiative will augur well in the light of the path of universal brotherhood, humanity and peace as laid by Ninth Sikh Guru.

H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso, High Commissioner of Ghana to India conveyed his best wishes for the noble cause initiated by State Information Commissioner, Punjab Harpreet Sandhu highlighting the Punjab’s religious heritage with aim to educate the diverse communities about the enduring significance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings and sacrifice.

State Information Commissioner, Punjab Harpreet Sandhu stated that his interaction with H.E. Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso, High Commissioner of Ghana to India served as a meaningful moment of cultural bonding and a step forward in nurturing diplomatic relations between Punjab and Ghana.

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