Seema Rohru College emerges winner in folk dance; over 600 students from 35 colleges showcase Himachal’s cultural diversity
Munish Sood
ROHRU
The four-day Inter-College Youth Festival-2026, Group-III, organised by Himachal Pradesh University at Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College, Seema Rohru, concluded on Tuesday with a vibrant celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s folk traditions, performing arts and creative talent.
Held from September 26 to 29, the festival brought together more than 600 students representing 35 colleges affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University. The event provided a common platform for young performers to showcase their artistic abilities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College, Seema Rohru, secured the first position in the folk dance competition, drawing appreciation for its presentation rooted in Himachali traditions. Saraswati Nagar College and PG College Dharamshala jointly secured the second position, while Government College Bilaspur, Government College Una and Sanjauli College shared the third position.
In classical dance, RKMB Shimla bagged the first position, followed by Fine Arts College, Shimla. In creative choreography, RKMB Shimla emerged winner, while Fine Arts College, Shimla, and Government College Una secured the second and third positions, respectively.
The closing ceremony was attended by Dr Pramod Chauhan, retired Additional Director of Higher Education, who presented trophies to the winners. Addressing the students, he said that winning a competition was important, but stepping onto the stage and having the confidence to showcase one’s talent was an achievement in itself. He urged students to pursue their goals with discipline, positive thinking and sustained hard work and stay away from social evils such as drug abuse.
Principal Dr P.P. Chauhan expressed gratitude to the contingent in-charges, judges, officials and employees of participating colleges for their contribution to the successful conduct of the festival.
The judging panel comprised Dr Kulwinder Kaur from Patiala, Ramesh Chand from Shimla and senior cultural personality and retired District Public Relations Officer of Mandi, Kuldeep Guleria. Guleria highlighted the key parameters involved in judging cultural performances and encouraged students to become ambassadors of Himachal’s folk traditions, art and cultural heritage.
The festival not only witnessed intense competition but also underlined the role of universities and colleges in preserving traditional art forms while giving young people opportunities to experiment, create and express themselves.
Several faculty members, team in-charges 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, were present at the concluding ceremony.
