“Today, I beheld all of India in a microcosm at LPU. The students’ showcasing of India in its diversity of culture, customs, traditions, languages, and clothes has been delightfully edifying.” – HE Mr. Dobre
His Excellency, India Chargà d’Affaires of Romania, Mr. Radu Octavian Dobre visited the Lovely Professional University Campus today and inaugurated the ‘One India’ Expo-2016. The Expo marked the conclusion of the national level fest being held on the campus celebrating unity in diversity.
HE Mr. Dobre was accompanied by Counsellor, political section, Mrs. Daniela Maria Dobre, and secretaries and administrative officers of various departments. LPU Chancellor Mr. Ashok Mittal and Pro Chancellor Mrs. Rashmi Mittal welcomed the elite guests.
HE Mr. Dobre, visited all the 29 state stalls put up by the students and observed, “The variegated colour, culture and vibrancy of India displayed here at LPU has so fascinated me that I want to explore more of India now. Today, I beheld all of India in a microcosm at LPU. The students’ showcasing of India in its diversity of culture, customs, traditions, languages, and clothes has been delightfully edifying.”
Celebrating theme of the year “Itihaas Ke Pannon Se”, LPU students divided themselves into groups to display the historic contributions of Indian States individually. At the Jharkhand stall onlookers learnt about the erstwhile rulers of Jharkhand, the Shah Deos, who came to power after the Munda kings handed over the throne. Their Ratu palace was also showcased in miniature form. The Tamil Nadu stall demonstrated the three Tamil empires Chera, Chola, and Pandya of ancient origin. Similarly different stalls displayed their queens in palanquins and kings on thrones, whereas their soldiers and slaves were seen in service to them. LPU students of Distance Education also participated in equivalence to regular students, and represented Maharashtra State admirably. Depictions of famous personalities like Mahatma Gandhi at the Gujarat Stall, Khudi Ram Bose at the West Bengal stall and Shaheed Bhagat Singh at the Punjab stall drew huge crowds. An the evening celebrations traditional dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kaal-Belia, Jhoomar, Odishi, Mohiniattam, Lavani, Chhau, Naati, Ghoomer, Sammi were presented by the students.
As cash prizes of lakhs of rupees were to be distributed to the participating students and LPU schools, renowned judges were invited to adjudge the various performances and exhibition stalls. The judges included western music specialist from West Bengal Mrs. Rekha Mukherjee, vocalist from New Delhi Mr. Devendra Verma and Youth Welfare Officer at Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana Prof. Satbir Singh.
In his closing address, Chancellor Mr. Mittal said, “Through celebrations like ‘One India’, LPU strengthens our national spirit of cultural diversity, harmony, and togetherness. We are very proud of the way the students have come together to put up this brilliant show.”
