Chandigarh, 10 October 2025 – Thousands of students from across India came together at Lovely Professional University (LPU) on Friday for the grand ‘One India Fest,’ a celebration of the country’s cultural diversity and national unity with Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attending the event as chief guests.
Calling the festival “a magnificent celebration of India’s unity,” Mr. Kejriwal praised Punjab as emerging not just as an educational hub, but also a symbol of cultural harmony and collective development. “India’s real strength lies in its diversity. When youth from different states, languages, and cultures come together on one platform, it shows that we are all one,” he said, urging students to preserve their own culture while respecting others.
Chief Minister Mann noted the state government’s focus on education and youth development. “Our objective is not just to give degrees, but to nurture talented, cultured, and patriotic citizens. Institutions like LPU are doing remarkable work in this direction,” he said, noting special schemes to promote cultural and creative activities across universities and colleges.
The festival brought India’s diversity to life under the ‘Mini India’ theme. Students performed traditional dances such as Punjab’s Bhangra, Rajasthan’s Ghoomar, Assam’s Bihu, Kerala’s Mohiniyattam, Gujarat’s Garba, and folk dances from Uttar Pradesh. The entire campus was decorated with tableaux, cultural performances, and traditional stalls, creating a vivid showcase of the country’s heritage. Approximately 50,000 students, teachers, and guests attended the program.
LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal welcomed both leaders and noted that students from more than 30 states participated. “Our objective is to provide students with a platform where they can showcase their own culture and understand others’ traditions,” he said.
The festival also featured regional cuisines and handicrafts. Students prepared dishes ranging from Punjab’s Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti to Bengal’s Rasgulla and fish, Hyderabad’s Biryani, Gujarat’s Dhokla, and South India’s Dosa-Idli. Traditional jewelry, handicrafts, and artworks from across India added to the festive atmosphere.
Mr. Kejriwal congratulated the LPU team for organizing a successful event and told students, “Punjab’s youth is India’s future. Nurturing their talent and helping them progress is our biggest responsibility. The energy and enthusiasm I witnessed today assures me that India’s future is bright.”
By combining cultural performances, cuisine, and art, the ‘One India Fest’ has grown into a national-level platform that not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters social harmony, national pride, and unity among the youth. The presence of both chief ministers further enhanced the event’s significance.
