Seema Rohru College Triumphs in Folk Dance at Himachal Pradesh Youth Festival
Celebrating Himachal's Cultural Heritage
Munish Sood
ROHRU
The Inter-College Youth Festival-2026, organized by Himachal Pradesh University at Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College, Seema Rohru, concluded on Tuesday, showcasing the vibrant folk traditions and artistic talents of Himachal Pradesh.
Running from September 26 to 29, this four-day event attracted over 600 students from 35 colleges affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University. It served as a platform for young artists to display their skills while honoring the state's rich cultural legacy.
Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College, Seema Rohru, claimed the top spot in the folk dance competition, earning accolades for its performance steeped in Himachali culture. Saraswati Nagar College and PG College Dharamshala shared the second position, while Government College Bilaspur, Government College Una, and Sanjauli College collectively took third place.
In the classical dance category, RKMB Shimla secured first place, followed by Fine Arts College, Shimla. RKMB Shimla also triumphed in creative choreography, with Fine Arts College, Shimla, and Government College Una taking second and third, respectively.
The closing ceremony featured Dr. Pramod Chauhan, a retired Additional Director of Higher Education, who awarded trophies to the winners. He emphasized that while winning is significant, the real achievement lies in having the courage to perform and showcase one's abilities. He encouraged students to pursue their aspirations with discipline and positivity, steering clear of social issues like drug abuse.
Principal Dr. P.P. Chauhan expressed appreciation for the contributions of contingent in-charges, judges, officials, and staff from participating colleges that made the festival a success.
The judging panel included Dr. Kulwinder Kaur from Patiala, Ramesh Chand from Shimla, and Kuldeep Guleria, a retired District Public Relations Officer from Mandi. Guleria underscored the criteria for evaluating cultural performances and urged students to act as ambassadors for Himachal's folk traditions and cultural heritage.
The festival not only featured fierce competition but also highlighted the vital role of universities and colleges in preserving traditional art forms while providing youth with opportunities to innovate and express themselves.
Numerous faculty members, team leaders, and officials, including Dr. Anil Chauhan, Dr. Ravi Kiran Sharma, Dr. Ashwini Sharma, Dr. Umesh Narta, Dr. Naresh Chauhan, Lokinder Thakur, Dr. Om Sharma, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Dr. Sanjeev Bharshetka, Dr. Surender Kulla, Dr. Haipinder Bharatan, Dr. Nalin Chaman, Vikas Mukhiya, and Dr. Deepak Negi, attended the closing ceremony.