About Us

Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has been organizing the south Asian university youth festival (SAUFEST) since 2006. The concept of organizing SAUFEST is in line with the active collaboration and mutual assistance amongst the South Asian countries in educational, social, cultural and economic field. This year i.e. 2020 Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra has been privileged to get the opportunity to host and organize the SAUFEST 2020. The university takes pride for being the first university in Haryana to host this gala international event. One of the key objectives of the KUK-SAUFEST 2020 is "Connect, Compete, Celebrate" and to strengthen the unity and harmony among the participating countries. In these event artists from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Mauritius, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal will exhibit their talent in various cultural, literary and fine art events.

Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has been undertaking various activities to hone up the talent of students studying in various colleges and universities of India. A large number of cultural and sports events are being organized to provide platforms for the budding artists and sports persons of Indian Universities. Through these platforms various Indian artists have risen to high stature and a few of them are working in the film city Mumbai and other prestigious Institutions. Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is one of the premier institutions of the country working for the cause of higher education since 1925. Commencing its journey as an Inter-University Board, AIU came into existence in 1919 followed by a resolution, which was made in the deliberations of a Conference of Vice Chancellors of the Indian Universities convened in 1924 at Shimla. The main objective of the AIU is to protect and promote the interest of universities and facilitate the university activities especially by way of sharing information and increasing cooperation in the field of culture, sports, and allied areas, and help universities in mutual recognition of degrees. It is the only university association in the world which organizes student centric activities establishing direct connect with students. The membership of AIU embraces all types of recognized universities existing in the Country. At present, 700+ Indian Universities are its members. In addition to Indian Universities, it has 15 Associate Members, one each from Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia and Dubai and 2 universities from Mauritius. The General Body of the AIU is constituted of Vice Chancellors/Directors of these 700+ Indian Universities.

Back to top

Kurukshetra University is a NAAC Accredited A+ University in India. Recognizing the University’s commitment to excellence in academics and research, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has included it in the top ranked Category-I, institution of higher learning in India. Established on 11th January, 1957 as a Sanskrit University, now it offers education and research programmes in diverse areas of science, business studies, social sciences, performing arts and sports. Located on the southern bank of famed Brahm Sarovar, the University has a sprawling campus spread over 473 acer areas. In addition to providing quality education to the students, Kurukshetra University embodies the values of Yogastha Kuru Karmani, enshrined in Bhagwadgita, which embodies performing activities while remaining in Yoga. Those passing out of the precincts of the University imbibe the social, moral and ethical values. The University equips the students with skills, insights, attitudes and practical experiences to carve out discerning citizens out of them. The University programmes combine the enduring value of a liberal arts education with the skills and experience offered by professional departments. The University offers 180 courses on the campus in 49 Departments/ Institutes through a highly qualified faculty. The University also has 261 affiliated colleges and institutes in seven districts of Haryana. The campus of the University has often been rated as one of the most beautiful campuses in India. It resembles a large, self-contained village with lecture theaters, smart class rooms, Wi-fi campus, libraries, laboratories, on-campus hostel accommodation, cafeterias, canteens, market, swimming pool, gymnasia, banks, ATM’s, post office and world class sports facilities. The most remarkable feature of the campus is a seamless interconnection of nature and the built environment. There are a number of lush green gardens, water fountains and sidewalks which provide an ideal environment on the campus for study and leisure. Keeping pace with the changing time, University is digitalizing the operations. Infrastructure is being upgraded and added to match with the very best institutions.

Kurukshetra is one of the oldest cities of the north Indian state of Haryana. It is known as the setting of the epic poem the "Mahabharata." The city gets its name from King Kuru, an ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. The land of Kurukshetra was situated between two rivers-the Sarasvati and the Drishadvati. According to the epic Lord Krishna preached Srimad Bhagvadgita to Arjuna at the time of the famous battle Mahabharata, which is said to have been fought at Kurukshetra and its adjoining areas. In addition to its mythological importance, Kurukshetra is a small, serene, vibrant, progressive and peaceful city of Haryana. The city is known for growing world class rice and is a primer education centre. Places of education existed here even thousands of years ago. Kurukshetra is known for Srimadbhagavada Gita, which is sacred text showing light to the entering humanity. Various faces of life, wherein one faces a dilemma, teachings of Bhagavad Gita dawn upper clearing the doubts and motivates the person to rightful action. By imparting these life skills to the youth of today, a useful citizen can be carved out of a young learner. Braham Sarovar is a famous and religious place where thousands of people throughout India visit this religious place and take bath with spiritual feelings. Shri Krishna Museum is also a famous museum and situated near the Braham Sarovra. There are many archeological sites of immense historical and culture importance such as Thanesar, the ancient capital of Vardhana rulers. The main attraction of the Kurukshetra for the pilgrims tourists are , Brahamsarovara, BhadaraKali Mandir, Jyotisar, birth place of Bhagwad Gita,Tirupati Bala Ji Temple, Kurukshetra Panorma and Science Centre, Sheikha Chehli Mausoleum, Sathneshwar Mahadev Mandir, Dharohar Museum, etc.

Carved in 1966, Haryana is a progressive state in northern India, neighboring the national capital New Delhi. Haryana has emerged as a leading state in terms of agriculture, industry and education. The state of Haryana is known for Srimad Bhagavadagita, which is part of the epic Mahabharata. The sermon of Srimad Bhagavadagita is said to have been delivered by Lord Krishana to Arjuna during the battle of Mahabharata. When the mind is in uncertainty, the teachings of Srimad Bhagavadagita enlighten the individuals to clear the dilemma and motivate them towards rightful action to perform their duty for the humanity, at large. Despite having 1.5% of India’s area, Haryana contributes 15% to its agriculture produce which has grown seven times since its foundation. In addition to agriculture, Haryana is a leading state in terms of industrial production, especially passenger cars, two wheelers, mobile cranes and tractors. The state produces two thirds of the passengers cars 50% of the tractors, 60% of the motorcycle and 50% of the refrigerators manufactured in the country. Beside economic progress, the state of Haryana is proud of its rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Vedic times. The state is rich in folklore, music, dance, art forms, crafts, painting, sculpture etc. Simple at heart and straight forward in their communication, the cultural performances of the music and dance are full of vigor energy, and a message depicting the social values. Traditional folk theater forms comprise of the items like Allaha, Udhal, Ranjha, Jhulna, Nihal-deh, Sohni, Alibaksh, Doha, Sortha, Panipati Chamola, Hathrasi Chamola, Jangam, Behre Tabil, Ragani, Saang, etc. The folk Dance form of Haryana are Haryanvi Gunga Dhamohra, Ghumar Dance, Khoria Dance, Faag Dance, Panghat Dance, Dhamal Dance, Deepak Dance, Loor Dance, and Rasiya Dance. Scholars such as Pt Lakhmi Chand, Pt. Mange Ram, Dhanpat Singh, Baje Bhagat, Jat Mehar Singh, and Shyam Dharodi etc, have contributed to the folk literature of Haryana. Most of the dishes of Haryana are produced by milk and the saying goes “Desha Me Desh Haryana Jit Dudh Dahi Kaa Khana”. meaning that Haryana is a unique place where pure ghee and milk are a part of the diet.

Working with missionary ardor, the Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs extends umpteen opportunities and incentives to the students with a view to catering to their creative energies. It is the power of the youth that accelerates the growth and progress of a nation. Be that as it may, the young students must be provided with an appropriate platform which can enable them to properly channelize their creative faculties and display their hidden talent in a befitting manner. That alone can ensure the multidimensional growth of their personality and vouch for their bright future. The Kurukshetra University is blessed with a lofty vision that reflects through its students who have the knack for charting their course by the distant stars and not by dim streetlights. They set unto themselves high standards of enviable cultural performances resulting in glorious achievements. The Department of Youth & Cultural Affairs, therefore, invariably undertakes to work with firm determination and a sense of commitment towards nourishing the young ones with their talents, refining their attributes and helping them treasuring up the exhibition of their performances. Such an effort as this, needless to say, inculcates in them a sense of discipline, self-dependence, maturity and zeal that propel them to step forward in the arduous journey of life. Every academic session of the University is marked by the staging of talent shows in each affiliated institution, Zonal Youth Festivals, Inter Zonal Youth Festival, Literary Workshop, Fine Arts Workshop, Voice of KUK, and Aapni Baat, Outdoor Camps for Trekking and Leadership, Haryana Day State Level “Ratnawali Festival”, Cultural Shows etc. All these programmes are organized under the aegis of the Department in each academic session. For the smooth conduct of Youth Festivals, all the affiliated/maintained colleges and the University teaching departments have been grouped in four different zones, viz, Ambala Zone, Karnal Zone, Kurukshetra Zone, Yamuna Nagar Zone. As many as Forty three cultural events have been chosen under five different categories, namely, Music, Dance, Theatre, Literary items and Fine Arts. Thus a student desirous of participation is given a vast scope and a plethora of opportunities to exhibit his talent. The Department also takes pride in organizing in the last week of February the eagerly awaited KUK-SAUFEST-2020. In this event students artists from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Maurtius,Srilanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, countries will participate in Folk Dance, Classical Dance, Mime, Debate, Elocution, Clay Modeling, Light Music, Folk Orchestra. This festival is studded with nine events in five different categories i:e Dance, Music, Theatre, Literary, Fine Arts for the students in which to participate. Whole exercise on such a gigantic will result of full co-operation and commitment in the participating nation of both the teaching as well as student community. Our vision encompasses the rebirth of cultural renaissance and understanding across nations of South Asia. Department of Youth & Cultural Affairs is committed to obtain new heights in the sphere of culture and help in exploring the various ancient, traditional and modern cultural values

The Kurukshetra lies on 258m above sea level. The climate in Kurukshetra is referred to as a local steppe climate. There will be plenty of sunshine in February. The minimum, average and maximum temperature in month of February will be 8.9°C, 16.4°C and 24°C respectively. However weather can be unpredictable with rain and fog in this month. Participants and visitors are advised to bring adequate warm clothing during the event.