The Annual Aridian Youth Festival 2014, organized by the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Wednesday to enhance students confidence and to provide them a platform to conceive innovative ideas and explore their talent

PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad opened the festival during a colorful ceremony held at the campus, While Shiekh Aftab Ahmad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs was the chief guest at the Prize Distribution ceremony.

Students of various faculties of the University took part in different competitions included Naat competition, singing competition, Drama competition and Talent Show.

Shiekh Aftab Ahmad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, in his address said soon sub-campus of Arid University will be established in Attock and different degree programs will be announced with special emphasis on agriculture of the area to uplift of the farming community.

He further stated that the youth is an asset of the country as they would lead Pakistan in future in various fields and serve the nation. He was of the view that Pakistan needs to take tangible steps to educate the youth and government is committed to taking revolutionary steps for the improvement of the education facilities and making them accessible to everyone. He also stressed the need for creating awareness among masses.

While highlighting the importance of Co-Curricular activities, chief guest said that the involvement of students in all such activities help them to build their confidence, personality and character. He further said that active participation and involvement of the students in different extracurricular activities is a dire need of the day and essential for inculcating in them the sense of responsibility, discipline, obedience and punctuality.

He also appreciated the efforts and developments being made by the University and congratulated the University administration for organizing such a colorful event.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR said such activities are an essential part of the university’s curriculum to help promote a sense of healthy competition among the youth. He lauded the efforts of the university’s faculty members, the management and students for organizing the event.

He also applauded the efforts of students who participated in various programs to make the festival more colorful and stressed the need for organizing such events to highlight the hidden talent of the youth.

In the Naat competition, Sadia of Sciences Faculty  stood first, while Nayyer Sultana of Education Department  got the second position and Owais Ali of Agriculture Faculty was declared third.

In the Songs competition, Imran Ali of of Management Sciences  got the first position among participants. Jahangir of Education Department stood second, while Adeel Bukhari of Information Technology stood third.

In the Drama competition, Faculty of Sciences team stood first, while Agriculture Faculty Team obtained the second position. Management Sciences team was declared third.

Students while presenting Dramas highlighted the problems confronting Pakistan. Young artists presented in dramas that it’s now youth responsibility to play their due role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

A big gathering of audience comprising distinguished faculty members and students were witnessed on the occasion. The audience not only boosted the confidence of the participants but also appreciated them on their marvelous performance.