Lucknow – The six-day OJ Mahotsav-2025 (Inter-College Cultural Program) at National P.G. College, Lucknow, commenced with grandeur. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Hariom, Principal Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, and a renowned Ghazal singer, along with the college principal, Prof. Devendra Kumar Singh, by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The event was graced by Dr. Malavika Hariom, Vocal Artist, and Mr. Naval Kant Sinha, Senior Journalist, Amar Ujala, as special guests. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Devendra Kumar Singh emphasized that students should aspire not only for a successful life but also for a meaningful one. He stated that success has no single peak, and for hardworking and enterprising individuals, challenges act as catalysts for achievement.
In his speech, Dr. Hariom highlighted that students are the future of the nation and should develop core life values to engage in social service and nation-building. He reiterated that society holds great expectations from well-educated individuals. Dr. Malavika Hariom inspired students by stating that every person creates their own history. She encouraged them to set clear goals and work diligently towards fulfilling their unique roles in history. Mr. Naval Kant Sinha further advised students to choose career paths based on their individual interests and passions.
The event also featured outstanding performances. Dr. Aditi Thapliyal, an alumna, mesmerized the audience with a Kathak dance performance, while Rupali Chandra, a Voice Over and Theatre Artist, presented a remarkable piece on Bhagwati Charan Verma.
Several colleges from across Lucknow participated in the cultural competitions, including Lucknow University, Shia P.G. College, Subhash Chandra Bose Women’s College, City Law College, Navayug Kanya Mahavidyalaya, IT College, Avadh Degree College, Women’s College, KKC College, and Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University.
Competitive Highlights:
- Solo Singing Competition: Featured 12 participants, including Deepika Chauhan (National P.G. College), Harshita Bajpai (IT College), Saurabh Ganguly (Shia P.G. College), and Shreya Srivastava (Navayug Mahavidyalaya).
- Group Singing: Four teams competed, including Himanshu Pandey & Team (N.P.G.C.) and Vishnu & Team (N.P.G.C.).
- Solo Dance Competition: 10 participants, including Aditi Dixit (Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University), Shagun Gupta (Lucknow University), Shailee Srivastava (City Law College), and Sanjana Raj (Women’s Degree College).
- Group Dance Competition: 12 teams, including Harshita Pandey & Team (Women’s Degree College), Shailee Srivastava & Team (City Law College), Muskan & Team (Avadh Degree College), and Jiya Mishra & Team (Subhash Chandra Bose Women’s College).
On the final day, winners will be felicitated with awards and certificates.
Additionally, during the event, two books authored by Dr. Puneet Kanojia, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Commerce, were unveiled by the chief guest and principal:
- Strategic Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice
- Role of ODOP Scheme in Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat @2047
The festival continues to be a platform for showcasing talent and fostering creativity among students from various institutions.
