The festival was ceremoniously inaugurated by Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, whose presence marked a defining milestone for Sahityam 2026. In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister articulated the vision of Viksit Bharat as a collective national responsibility rooted in education, youth empowerment, innovation, and ethical governance. Emphasising the pivotal role of universities as incubators of ideas and agents of nation-building, he underscored how platforms like Sahityam foster informed discourse, cultural confidence, and civic responsibility, cornerstones of India’s journey towards becoming a developed, inclusive, and globally influential nation.
The occasion was further elevated by the distinguished presence of Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd.), India’s first woman IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Her address offered profound insights into leadership, discipline, and public service, resonating deeply with the values of Viksit Bharat. A landmark highlight of the festival was the launch of the Kiran Bedi Leadership Learning Program (KBLL)—a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing principled, resilient, and future-ready leaders.
Adding a significant dimension of innovation and entrepreneurship to Sahityam 2026, several startups incubated at CGC University, Mohali were recognised for securing prestigious funding support—underscoring the University’s growing role as a catalyst for startup culture and innovation-driven nation-building. EDS Wagon Tech Pvt. Ltd. received a seed grant of ₹10,00,000 from IIT Madras, while Techealth Apex Pvt. Ltd. secured ₹6.5 lakh in seed funding from Startup Punjab, the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISF). Vidyutam Verde NCESOL Pvt. Ltd. was awarded a seed fund of ₹3 lakh from Startup Punjab, and Aasyra received funding support from AICTE. These achievements reflected the University’s strong innovation ecosystem and its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial leadership aligned with the national vision.
The festival also witnessed a mega book launch, celebrating literature as both conscience and catalyst of societal transformation. Renowned author Yash Tiwari, along with eminent literary voices Mr. Anish Kanjilal and Ms. Pankhuri Gidwani, engaged audiences in compelling conversations exploring identity, ambition, governance, and the evolving power of narrative in contemporary India. The discourse was further enriched by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri Ashok Kumar, IPS (Retd.), former DGP of Uttarakhand and Vice Chancellor, Sports University of Haryana; Ms. Navjyot Randhawa, Editor and Presenter associated with GNT, Aaj Tak, and India Today; Mr. Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group; and Mr. Ashish Kumar Chaudhary, Indian International Boxer and Olympian—each contributing nuanced perspectives across governance, media, entrepreneurship, and sport.
Reflecting its vibrant cultural ethos, Sahityam 2026 unfolded as a dynamic tapestry of panel discussions, youth-centric dialogues, debates, open mic sessions, and student-led performances, offering participants meaningful platforms for expression and exchange. A highlight of the festival was the Youth Parliament, where students demonstrated exceptional awareness, articulation, and leadership through structured debates on national issues, policy, governance, and democratic values—embodying the spirit of participative citizenship envisioned under Viksit Bharat.
The cultural discourse was further enriched by a Punjabi Panel Discussion celebrating regional literature, music, and identity, featuring Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh; Mr. Malkeet Rauni, noted theatre artist; Mr. Bunty Bains, celebrated lyricist, composer, and music producer; Mr. Jasbir Jassi, iconic singer and lyricist; and Mr. Jagdeep Singh Warring, acclaimed writer. The panel offered deep insights into Punjabi cultural narratives, artistic evolution, and the role of regional expression in shaping national consciousness.
The festival concluded on a high note with evocative musical performances, including an electrifying evening by Punjabi music sensation Afsana Khan and a soulful musical rendition by Mr. Aadi, artist and singer, creating a resonant and celebratory close to the two-day literary and cultural confluence.
Reflecting on the significance of Sahityam 2026, S. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, Father of Education and Hon’ble Chancellor, CGC University, Mohali, remarked, “Viksit Bharat is not merely an economic aspiration; it is an intellectual and ethical mission. Through Sahityam, we strive to cultivate minds that think critically, act responsibly, and lead India forward with wisdom, empathy, and purpose.”
Echoing this vision, Mr. Arsh Dhaliwal, Hon’ble Managing Director, CGC University, Mohali, stated, “Sahityam 2026 exemplifies our belief that education must transcend classrooms. By bringing together policymakers, artists, thinkers, and young voices, we are fostering a living dialogue that mirrors India’s aspirations and prepares future leaders for a confident, progressive, and culturally rooted nation.”
In essence, Sahityam 2026 emerged not merely as a literature festival, but as a national confluence of ideas, celebrating intellectual freedom, cultural diversity, youth leadership, and visionary discourse—reaffirming CGC University, Mohali’s steadfast commitment to shaping an enlightened, inclusive, and forward-looking India.
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