Students of the Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab) delivered an outstanding performance at the 39th AIU Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival (UNIFEST) 2025–26, held from January 6 to 10, 2026, bringing laurels to the university. The festival was organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and serves as a qualifying platform for the Inter-University National Youth Festival.
Showcasing excellence across cultural and literary domains, CU Punjab secured the Overall Fourth Position in the North Zone, marking a significant achievement among participating universities. In the Rangmanch (Theatre) category, the university emerged as First Runner-Up (Overall).
CU Punjab students excelled in several individual events, winning First Position in Skit; Second Position in Mime, Indian Group Song, Ghazal and Hindi Speech; Third Position in English Speech; Fourth Position in English Debate; and Fifth Position each in Classical Vocal Singing and Rangoli. The wide range of achievements reflects the versatility, creativity, and dedication of the students.
Notably, winners in Skit, Mime, Indian Group Song, Ghazal, Hindi Speech, and English Speech have qualified for the AIU 39th Inter-University National Youth Festival 2026, scheduled to be held at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) from March 10 to 14, 2026. As per norms, only first, second, and third position holders at the zonal level are eligible to participate in the national festival.
The performances by CU Punjab students were deeply rooted in Indian culture, traditions, social values, and artistic heritage, leaving a lasting impression on judges and audiences alike. The achievement reflects the dedication of the students, the guidance of their mentors, and the vibrant cultural environment nurtured by the university.
Addressing the victorious students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari congratulated the team and stated that the students had made the university proud by representing CU Punjab as true ambassadors through their discipline, sportsmanship, and cultural excellence. He emphasised that in the era of experiential learning, academic knowledge must be complemented with skill development, and encouraged students to become “T-shaped graduates” with both depth and breadth of skills.
Calling the achievement “the beginning of a longer journey,” he urged the students to remain consistent and prepare wholeheartedly for the national-level competition, assuring full institutional support and expert training ahead of the National Youth Festival. Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean Student Welfare, also applauded the remarkable performance of the students and informed that while only three students represented the university at the national youth festival last year, more than 30 students have qualified this time, which will also positively contribute to institutional benchmarks, including NAAC assessment.
He further appreciated Dr. Rishpal Singh, Cultural Coordinator; Dr. Deepika Srivastava, Head, Department of Performing Arts; and Dr. Adish Kumar for their tireless efforts in training the students and for their significant role in achieving this accomplishment. The university community congratulated all participants, coordinators, faculty, and staff, stating that the achievement brings pride to CU Punjab and strengthens the promotion of India’s cultural heritage.