Balasore: As the 39th AIU Inter-University East Zone Youth Festival concluded, the grand valedictory ceremony UTSAH–2026 title was won by Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar. The event was hosted by Fakir Mohan University, marking the successful end of a vibrant celebration of youth talent and cultural unity.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Santosh Kumar Tripathy praised the discipline, creativity and artistic excellence displayed by students, underlining the role of youth festivals in fostering cultural values, leadership and national integration.
Chief guest Suryawanshi Mayur Vikash, collector and district magistrate of Balasore, congratulated the organisers and participants, highlighting the importance of cultural platforms in shaping socially responsible and creative citizens.
Guest of honour Shiv Malviya, sub-collector, Balasore, lauded the energetic performances and the festival’s reflection of India’s cultural diversity.
AIU observer Manish Jangra and technical observer Deepak Mishra commended the transparent evaluation process and efficient management. Chairman, PG Council Bhaskar Behera, and registrar Kukumina Das also addressed the gathering.
While the championship trophy was won by Utkal University of Culture, it was followed by Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, and Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag as the first and second runners up respectively.
The festival saw participation from 19 universities across Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, with 776 students competing across cultural disciplines.