Rajkot, Gujarat – The much-awaited Saurashtra University Youth Festival Sindoorotsav has officially commenced today, marking the 53rd edition of this annual cultural celebration. The three-day festival, now popularly known as “Sindoorotsav,” is set to showcase the vibrant talents of students from across five districts of the region. Over 1,800 students from various colleges will participate in multiple competitions, bringing artistic brilliance and cultural energy to the university campus.
Inauguration Ceremony Graced by Leaders
The festival’s inauguration was attended by notable dignitaries including Member of Parliament Parsottam Rupala and Cabinet Minister Kunwarji Bavaliya, among others. Speaking on the occasion, MP Parsottam Rupala emphasized the importance of large-scale student participation. He suggested that even students from rural areas should be encouraged to join, ensuring inclusivity and wider representation. Rupala also highlighted that talents from all over Saurashtra deserve a platform at this festival to be recognized and celebrated.
“The Youth Festival should see 100% participation from students. This is not only a competition but an opportunity to showcase the artistic potential of our youth,” said Parsottam Rupala.
A Festival Celebrating Talent and Patriotism
Cabinet Minister Kunwarji Bavaliya praised the participating students and called for a mindset shift regarding the festival. He encouraged students to view the Saurashtra University Youth Festival Sindoorotsav not merely as a competition but as an expression of love for the nation. Bavaliya lauded the 1,859 students from the 88 participating colleges and stressed the importance of more colleges joining in future editions.
“The state government is making efforts to encourage youth participation. Students should imbibe the spirit of Prime Minister’s ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi’ campaign and reflect it in their performances,” he added.
Limited Participation Sparks Concern
Despite the grand scale of the festival, the participation rate has been a point of concern. Out of 295 colleges affiliated with Saurashtra University, only 88 colleges have taken part in this year’s youth festival. University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Utpal Joshi expressed his disappointment over the limited participation but noted that the number has steadily increased over the past five years.
Dr. Joshi also emphasized the importance of motivating more students to engage in cultural activities, stating that such festivals are essential in nurturing creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills among the youth.
Events and Competitions
The Sindoorotsav Youth Festival features a variety of competitions, including performing arts, literary events, and visual arts. Students will compete in music, dance, drama, painting, and other cultural categories. This festival serves as a platform for students to not only display their talents but also gain exposure to regional and national-level recognition.
The three-day celebration is designed to provide an immersive experience for participants and visitors alike. Alongside competitions, workshops and cultural programs will highlight traditional and modern art forms, fostering a sense of cultural pride and community engagement.
Competitions Scheduled on 13th October
| Competition Name | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Elocution | 2:00 PM | Seminar Hall, Gujarati Bhavan |
| Ghazal, Shayari, Dialogue | 2:00 PM | Classroom, Gujarati Bhavan |
| Debate | 2:00 PM | MCA Bhavan |
| Customized Thothi | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, Ground Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Sermonize Competition | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, First Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Traditional Raas | 2:00 PM | Kamthi Board Stage, Behind MPhil Department |
| Folk Songs | 2:00 PM | Open Entry, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Western Vocal Solo | 4:00 PM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Dandiya Raas | 2:00 PM | Classroom, Sanskrit Bhavan |
| Group Folk Music (Santvani) | — | Not being held due to fewer entries |
Competitions Scheduled on 14th October
| Competition Name | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Debate | 9:00 AM | Seminar Hall, Gujarati Bhavan |
| Poetry Recitation | 9:00 AM | Classroom, Gujarati Bhavan |
| Quizzing | 9:00 AM | Building No. 3, Ground Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Collage Making | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, First Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Case Modeling | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, Ground Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Historical Drama | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, First Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Street Play (Nukkad Natak) | 2:00 PM | Kamthi Board Stage, Behind MPhil Department |
| Mock Management | 9:00 AM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Group Folk Dance | 2:30 PM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Mimicry | 2:00 PM | Gujarati Bhavan |
| Classical Dance (Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam) | 2:30 PM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Comic Poetry Recitation | 4:00 PM | Classroom, Sanskrit Bhavan |
Competitions Scheduled on 15th October
| Competition Name | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Poetry Writing | 9:00 AM | Building No. 3, Ground Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Poster Making | 9:00 AM | Building No. 3, First Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Rangoli | 2:00 PM | Building No. 3, First Floor, Behind Amrut Patni |
| Group Folk Dance | 2:30 PM | Kamthi Board Stage, Behind MPhil Department |
| Group Song | 2:30 PM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Classical Instrumental Music (Tabla) | 2:30 PM | Art Gallery, Behind Kanshiram Kala Mandir |
| Classical Vocal Music | 9:00 AM | Seminar Hall, Gujarati Bhavan |
Also read: Saurashtra University’s 53rd Youth Festival Named ‘Sindurotsav’, Begins from October 13
Encouraging Future Participation
Both political leaders and university officials have urged colleges that did not participate this year to join the festival in the future. The aim is to make the Saurashtra University Youth Festival Sindoorotsav an inclusive event where every student gets a chance to shine. Encouragement from prominent leaders is expected to inspire more colleges to take part in the coming years, ensuring that the festival reaches its full potential as a hub of creativity and talent.
Also read: Saurashtra University Hosts Global Science Conference to Boost India’s Semiconductor Mission
Conclusion
The 53rd edition of the Saurashtra University Youth Festival Sindoorotsav has begun on an enthusiastic note, bringing together young talents from across the region. While the limited number of participating colleges raises some concerns, the festival continues to serve as a vibrant platform for students to express their creativity, celebrate culture, and imbibe the spirit of patriotism. With proper encouragement and support, future editions are expected to see even higher participation, solidifying Sindoorotsav’s role as a flagship cultural event in Saurashtra.
