Festival of Colours: A celebration of unity, joy and cultural inclusivity

The festival of Holi was celebrated with immense enthusiasm at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, bringing together students and faculty for a joyous and vibrant event. The celebration created an atmosphere of unity, joy, and cultural inclusivity, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.

The event was honoured by the presence of Prof. Vijay Vir Singh, Vice Chancellor of ASU, and Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Registrar, whose participation added to the festive spirit. Their encouraging words highlighted the significance of Holi as a festival of togetherness, harmony, and renewal.

A major highlight of the celebration was the Nasha Mukti pledge administered by the Registrar. 

This initiative emphasised the importance of a drug-free and healthy lifestyle, reinforcing the university’s commitment to student well-being. The pledge served as a meaningful reminder to celebrate responsibly while promoting positive values among the students.

Further, the Holi festivities were marked by vibrant colours, music, and dance, creating an electrifying atmosphere on campus. Apeejayites smeared colours on each other, symbolising love and unity. The rhythmic beats of dhol and lively Bollywood music had everyone dancing with enthusiasm, making the celebration even more exhilarating.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the event was the enthusiastic participation of international students. They embraced the cultural tradition wholeheartedly, enjoying the playful exchange of colors and engaging in cultural interactions with their peers. The festival provided them with a firsthand experience of India’s rich cultural heritage, strengthening bonds between students from diverse backgrounds.

The Holi celebration at Apeejay Stya University encapsulated the essence of joy, unity, and inclusivity. The combination of cultural traditions, fun-filled activities, and an important social message made the event both entertaining and meaningful. The organisers for the event were Dr. Sonam Raheja, Associate Professor at School of Engineering & Technology and Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at School of Education in Apeejay Stya University. While Nahida, Kanchan and Sneha were the student coordinators of the programme.

Sharing his thoughts, Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at the School of Education, ASU, expressed, “Phagun is the month of energy and pleasure. Holi, which is celebrated in this month, allows us to enjoy this energy visible all around us with our friends and family. This was for the first time that Holi was celebrated with and by all ASU fraternity.”