With their remarkable dedication and outstanding commitment towards cultural involvement , the students of Parul University brought out the true meaning of “Yuva Spandan”, which was the theme of the recently concluded Association of Indian Universities youth festival AIU. Upon concluding the sporting competitions, the event went on to organise the cultural fest, held in Pune, Maharashtra.
Savitribai Phule Pune University, being the host University, where more than 40 Universities from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan including the Union territories were participating. These Universities constituted the West Zonal competitions.
During a festival of such great magnitude, the students of Parul University, displayed an outstanding performance, leading to students Wilfred Mukawu and Theophilus Makhazhe being awarded first prize in Debate. Another team comprising of Ruth Kufakunesu, Nkosilathi Sithole, Nevin Chipfunde, Mitchel Pikirei, Kumbirai Marimai, Natasha Mbiti and Vaidehi Prajapati, bagged the first place award in the Western Group song category.
The most remarkable part of this victory is how 95% of the victorious teams comprised of the international students of the University. Who during the festival, were displaying a breathtaking appreciation of the Indian culture seen through their participation in the opening cultural procession wearing the Indian traditional kurtas.
“AIU is a festival that shows the epitome of the Indian culture within the youth, it is the best platform where students from various states come together under the one goal of cultural expression. When I received the debate topic regarding whether the electronic voting machines were in the best interest of the democracy of India, i had to think patriotic, and i believe our victory was only possible because of the amount of time Parul University has dedicated in making us feel part of the incredible Indian culture” shared Wilfred Mukawu, a 3rd year Law student under Parul Institute of Law.
The University has been continuously dedicating its efforts towards sharing the essence of the Indian culture amongst International students through various extracurricular activities. “The rich diversity of the India culture, in arts and literature is something I believe needs to be shared with the world, and our International students provide us with the chance of having the world on our campus. Hence we continue to make provisions for our National and International students to get maximum participation in such reputable festivals for their overall growth” expressed Dr Devanshu Patel, the President of the University.
The students will be going further to compete in the nationals being held in Chandigarh, Punjab this month.