A Journey to Remember: Manipur University Stands Tall at AIU’s Youth Fest 2025

SOME journeys are about reaching a destination. Others, like this one, are about everything that happens in between—the chaos, the laughter, the unexpected friendships, and the moments that turn into memories. The 38th Inter University Youth Fest, hosted by Amity University, Noida, under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) from March 3-7, 2025, was all of that and more. 148 universities participated in this grand competition. From the thrill of competition to the joy of representing our roots, it was an experience that will stay with us forever.

Our journey began on March 2, as a team of 41 enthusiastic individuals, wide-eyed and full of anticipation, boarded our flight from Imphal to Delhi. It was a three-and-a-half-hour journey, long enough to let excitement settle in but short enough to not tire us out. The moment we stepped off the plane, however, Delhi’s air greeted us like an old friend with a new attitude—warmer than we expected but pleasant nonetheless.

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Now came the next challenge—reaching Amity University. Lucky for us, Dhanamanjuri University was kind enough to share their bus. And by “share,” I mean we squeezed in with our luggage, our hopes, and an entire symphony of different dialects and laughter. The bus was packed beyond belief, yet the atmosphere was lively, turning what could have been an exhausting ride into a heartwarming memory.

By the time we reached Amity University around 3:30 PM, exhaustion had faded into awe. The campus was something out of a dream—vast, majestic, and so well-designed that it felt like walking into a city of knowledge sculpted from ambition and architecture. It stood tall and proud, a monument in the middle of a heavenly garden, making us feel both humbled and inspired.

And then… we were shown our accommodation. Let’s just say, if the campus was a five-star monument, the accommodations were… well, let’s not rate it. A universal sigh of disappointment rippled through the crowd of 148 participating universities. But, at least the food was good, the weather was kind, and we weren’t there to sleep—we were there to compete.

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The festival officially kicked off on March 3 with the Cultural Procession, a breathtaking spectacle where all 148 universities showcased their traditional attire and heritage. Under the sun’s golden embrace, we walked with pride, draped in our cultural richness, ready to introduce the world to the spirit of Manipur. We had only three minutes to present centuries of history and tradition, so we made every second count. Our performance was a living mosaic of Manipuri culture—Mukna (Manipuri wrestling), Yubi Lakpi (rugby with a coconut), Thang-Ta (martial arts), and dances like Lai Haraoba, Maibi Jagoi, Kabui, and Tangkhul. It was a performance that spoke of our roots, our resilience, and our rhythm. The judges seemed to agree because we proudly secured 2nd place in the event.

With the cultural procession behind us, the real battle began. From March 4 onwards, Amity University transformed into a battlefield of talent. Every hallway echoed with melodies from musical instruments, whispered rehearsals, and the occasional nervous laughter of performers waiting for their turn.

Lapsopthei Kasar took the stage in the Elocution Competition, her words sharp and passionate, making her mark among the best and securing 4th place. Sagolshem Surjit, with fingers that danced effortlessly on the tabla, delivered a mesmerizing performance in the Classical Instrumental Solo (Percussion) category, securing 2nd place.

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Meanwhile, Robinson had the audience in fits of laughter with his Mimicry performance, proving that humour is truly an art and secured 5th place. Jessy Thiyam took over the stage in the Western Vocal Solo, her voice soaring through the auditorium, bringing home 2nd place. On a different stage, Saloni was creating magic on the floor with her Rangoli design, earning 3rd place with strokes of colour and creativity.

Then came March 6—the day of the great One-Act Play.

Now, let’s talk about props. While other universities rolled in with stage setups that could rival Bollywood productions—trucks full of elaborate backdrops, towering structures, and enough set pieces to build a small village—we showed up with… well, a few carefully packed props in our bags and hands. And guess what? We won. Yes, we won 1st place. Because, as it turns out, good storytelling and powerful performances can defeat a fleet of set pieces any day. While other teams were busy assembling their miniature cities on stage, we focused on what truly matters—the art itself. And that, my friends, is how a few bags took down a truck.

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As the final day of competitions arrived, we saw our hard work pay off in more ways than one. Pritam Huidrom’s performance in Western Instrumental Solo secured 1st place, proving that true music doesn’t need words to leave an impact. The Folk Tribal Dance team delivered a soul-stirring performance, securing 2nd place in an event that celebrated India’s indigenous roots. Among the many performances that left a mark, our Indian Group Song was another proud moment. Dolled up in the commendable design of Wangkheiphee Mantri’s, our singers took the stage with elegance and grace, their voices blending in perfect harmony. It was a performance that resonated beyond just melody—it was a tribute to our roots, our unity, and the emotions woven into every note. Their incredible effort earned 4th place, adding yet another feather to our cap.

Then came March 7—result day. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as names were called, rankings announced, and cheers erupted from different corners of the hall. As the list of winners unfolded, our university’s name kept coming up, over and over again. We had cemented ourselves among the top universities in the festival, proving that talent, dedication, and a love for our culture could take us far.

With our heads held high and our hearts full, we boarded our flight back home on March 8. But the surprises weren’t over yet. As we stepped off the plane in Imphal, we were greeted not just by our families, but by garlands, cheers, and warm embraces. It was a moment of pride, a moment of recognition, a moment that told us—we did something special.

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But beyond the trophies and certificates, beyond the applause and rankings, what truly mattered was the journey itself. The late-night rehearsals, the nervous excitement before stepping onto the stage, and the friendships that formed in crowded buses and competition halls. The moments of doubt that turned into victories, the shared meals where we laughed about the exhaustion, the feeling of representing something bigger than ourselves. None of this would have been possible without our incredible team managers, our cultural coordinator, our professional accompanists, and every single team member who poured their heart into this journey. Their guidance, patience, and unwavering belief in us made all the difference.

As we settle back into our daily routines, there’s one lesson we carry with us: sometimes, talent beats trucks. Sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected. And sometimes, the journey itself is the greatest prize of all.