JSS AHER Vice Chancellor H. Basavanagowdappa at a press conference in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, will host the 39th AIU South-West Zone Inter-University Festival (UNIFEST) titled ‘YUVOTSAVA 2026’ at its campus from February 9 to 13.
Organized under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the five-day youth festival is expected to bring together student talent from across the South West zone and celebrate youth culture, creativity and participation.
Vice-Chancellor of JSS AHER Dr. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Basavanagowdappa said 33 universities with a total strength of over 1,500 students would participate in the festival. Of these, 18 universities are from Karnataka, 13 from Maharashtra and two from Goa.
YUVOTSAVA 2026 aims to promote national integration, cultural harmony, artistic excellence and mutual understanding among students from different regions and institutions, according to a JSS AHER report.
As many as 27 events will be held in six major categories – Music, Dance, Literary Arts, Dramatic Arts, Fine Arts and Cultural Parade – as per AIU guidelines, which provide equal opportunities for individual and group participation.
Classical and light vocal music, instrumental music, group songs, folk orchestra, classical, folk and tribal dance, creative choreography and theatrical events such as one-act plays, skits, pantomime and mimicry are contested. There will also be literary events including quiz, debate and public speaking, along with art competitions like painting, collage, poster making, clay modelling, drawing and rangoli.
The festival will conclude with a grand cultural parade celebrating India’s unity in diversity, the release added.
Published – 07 Feb 2026 19:31 IST