Ahmedabad: GLS University commenced its three-day Youth Fest, ‘Narrative – Unfolding Stories of Youth 2026-27’, on September 19, bringing together students from across the University for a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, talent and youthful expression. The Youth Fest forms part of the Centennial Cultural Celebration – 8th Chapter, ‘Narrative – Unfolding the Stories of Future’. The fest is being conducted under the guidance of President of GLS University, Shree Sudhir Nanavati, and Executive Director, Dr. Chandni Kapadia.
The first day witnessed enthusiastic participation across a diverse range of competitions spanning visual arts, literature, digital storytelling, public speaking, theatre and dance. The activities provided students with multiple platforms to express their ideas, creativity and perspectives, reflecting the many ways young minds observe, interpret and narrate the world around them.
Colours and Creativity Take Centre Stage
The Fine Arts segment featured Poster Making, Collage Making, Rangoli, Clay Modelling, Face Painting and Mehendi, allowing students to showcase their imagination, artistic skills and attention to detail. The Faculty of Law hosted six of the Fine Arts competitions, with students participating enthusiastically across categories.
The Poster Making Competition explored the themes ‘Sabarmati Riverfront’ and ‘Indian Heritage’, encouraging students to interpret Ahmedabad’s identity and India’s cultural richness through visual narratives. Collage Making explored ‘Landscape of Village’ and ‘Abstract Portrait’, while Rangoli featured themes including ‘Motherhood’, ‘Fusion – Back to Root’ and ‘Any Natural’.
Clay Modelling challenged students to create three-dimensional works around ‘Human Form’, ‘Musical Instrument’ and ‘Urban Life’. Face Painting explored ‘Metamorphosis – Animal’ and ‘The Divine Within’, while the Mehendi Competition invited participants to work around an Any Wedding Theme, showcasing intricate patterns and creative detailing.
Youth Finds Its Voice Through Digital Storytelling
Digital creativity was another key highlight of Day One. The Reel Making Competition, themed ‘Essence of Youth Fest’, encouraged students to capture the energy, atmosphere and experiences of the festival through short-form digital storytelling.
The Mobile Photography Competition featured three themes — ‘The Spirit That We Share at GLS’, ‘Moments That Make Us’ and ‘Faces of GLS’ — encouraging participants to document the people, emotions and everyday moments that contribute to the identity of the GLS community.
Words, Ideas and Imagination Take the Forefront
The Literary and Communication segment added an intellectual and expressive dimension to the festival. Day One featured Quiz – 1st Round, Poetry Recitation, Debate, Elocution and Poetry Completion.
The quiz tested students’ knowledge, awareness and quick thinking, while Debate and Elocution provided platforms for participants to articulate their thoughts and perspectives with confidence. Poetry Recitation and Poetry Completion further encouraged students to explore language, imagination and individual expression.
Stories Come Alive Through Theatre and Dance
The Performing Arts segment featured Skit and Classical Dance Solo, adding energy, emotion and storytelling to the first day of the Youth Fest.
The Skit Competition gave students an opportunity to present their perspectives on contemporary life and society through dialogue, theatrical movement and creative stage presentations. The Classical Dance Solo Competition highlighted students’ dedication to India’s artistic heritage through graceful movements, expressive abhinaya, rhythmic precision and disciplined presentation.
A Vibrant Beginning to a Three-Day Celebration
With Poster Making, Collage Making, Quiz – 1st Round, Poetry Recitation, Reel Making, Mobile Photography, Rangoli, Clay Modelling, Debate, Skit, Classical Dance Solo, Elocution, Poetry Completion, Face Painting and Mehendi, the first day of ‘Narrative – Unfolding Stories of Youth 2026-27’ offered students a wide spectrum of opportunities to create, perform, communicate and connect.
The Youth Fest’s central theme, ‘Unfolding Stories of Youth’, came alive through the diverse narratives presented by students, while the larger Centennial Cultural Celebration theme, ‘Narrative – Unfolding the Stories of Future’, provided an overarching platform for young voices to express their ideas and aspirations.
The successful completion of Day One marked an energetic beginning to the three-day celebration. With two more days of competitions and cultural activities ahead, GLS University Youth Fest 2026-27 continues its celebration of student talent, creativity, cultural appreciation and the diverse stories of today’s youth.