Phagwara (Punjab), Apr 22 (UNI) In a vivid celebration of cultural harmony and youth empowerment, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated Lovely Professional University’s (LPU) flagship annual festival, ‘One India, One World’, at the university’s sprawling Phagwara campus on Tuesday.

The three-day festival, held under the theme “Rang De Bharat-Celebrating Patriotism through Art and Culture”, brought together more than 40,000 students and visitors from across India and over 50 Countries, transforming the campus into a global village of heritage, art, and expression.

The event opened with a dynamic flag-off ceremony led by students, symbolizing the spirit of unity across Indian states and global cultures. A spectacular parade followed, showcasing tableaus and cultural performances representing the traditions and heritage of all 28 Indian states, 8 UTs, and 31 Foreign Nations.

This vibrant display set the tone for what was a richly immersive celebration of diversity and global friendship.

In his address to the gathering, Om Birla praised LPU’s role as a model of modern Indian education rooted in traditional values. “India’s future is in the hands of the youth, and I see that future shining here today,” he said.

“LPU is not just an institution of learning, it is a laboratory of unity, innovation, and culture. With over 40,000 students from across the country and the world, the university is playing a pivotal role in shaping a globally competent and culturally grounded generation.”

The Lok Sabha Speaker underscored the importance of education that nurtures not only knowledge but character, and called on students to dream big while contributing to the nation’s growth. “As I travel across the

globe, I see the growing respect for India and Indian professionals,” he said.

“It is your responsibility to carry forward this legacy. Your dreams must not only uplift your lives but must also uplift the nation,” Om Birla said.

Adding to the festival’s prestige was the presence of several distinguished international dignitaries, including Peter Hobwani, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Zimbabwe; Jean Asantewaah Oduro and Conrad Nana Kojo Asiedu from the Ghana High Commission; Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia to India; Ntsukunyane Daniel Tsenoli from the Kingdom of Lesotho; and Dr Amandeep Grewal, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission, Chandigarh.

Their participation reinforced the festival’s global vision and the university’s growing international reputation.

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