Noida: The 24th Inter Amity Institutions Sports Meet, "Sangathan-2023," commenced at the Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus with a vibrant start. Sangathan is a prestigious sports extravaganza hosted by Amity University, attracting enthusiastic participation from students across Amity campuses nationwide and abroad.

This month-long event concludes with Founder's Day celebrations, commemorating the birthday of Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, the Founder President of the Amity Education Group. The primary objective of this event is to foster a healthy competitive spirit, camaraderie, and teamwork among the participating students.

"Sangathan-2023" features 22 sports competitions, involving 33 teams from 65 institutions in various sports disciplines such as hockey, handball, volleyball, kho-kho, badminton, table tennis, squash, softball, tug of war, chess, carrom, swimming, and newly introduced activities like yoga, sports for special children, and karate.

Before the inaugural ceremony, the Sangathan Mashaal (torch) was lit, followed by the Mashaal Relay, inaugurated by Prof (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, starting from the Amity University Noida Campus, and passing through Amity International School Noida, Sector-44, and Amity University Greater Noida Campus before reaching the Amity Noida Campus.

To mark this special occasion, the symbolic Sangathan Mashal/Khel Jyoti was entrusted to the Sports Captains, Mayank Sethi and Priyanshu Mishra from Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, with an oath administered by Aradhana Sahu and Sanskaar Bharadwaj on behalf of all participants. A march past featuring all participating teams and institutions added to the event's grandeur.

During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University, emphasized the significance of unity embodied by "Sangathan." He noted that the event equips students with essential teamwork and leadership skills crucial for their professional and personal lives. Dr. Chauhan expressed pride in shaking hands with the Sports Captains, recognizing them as future leaders responsible for the nation's future. He encouraged all participants to cherish every moment and wished them success.

Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, emphasized that "Sangathan" holds a special place in the hearts of Amity alumni worldwide. The event provides a platform for students to showcase their skills, abilities, and talents, with the understanding that winning or losing is part of the game, but the spirit of learning and facing challenges is paramount.

Ajit Chauhan, Chairman of the Amity Directorate of Distance and Online Education (ADDOE), described "Sangathan" as one of the most exciting events at Amity. He highlighted the traits of camaraderie, resilience, patience, and hard work that participants develop through their involvement, which he believed would empower them in all aspects of life.

Dr. Gurinder Singh, Group Vice Chancellor of Amity Universities, emphasized the historical significance of "Sangathan," conceived by Founder President Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan twenty-four years ago. He encouraged students never to give up and to strive relentlessly to achieve their life goals.

Introducing "Sangathan-2023," Dr. S.K. Srivastava, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, highlighted that the event's purpose extends beyond physical fitness to develop students' interpersonal skills, including hard work, perseverance, and tolerance. The event also aims to foster a sense of belongingness among students from all Amity campuses.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Mr. Abhay Chauhan, Vice President of Amity Online, Mr. Amol Chauhan, Senior Vice President of Amity Capital Ventures, as well as heads of institutions, faculty, staff, and numerous students from Amity.

The ceremony concluded with an exhibition football match between Amity School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and Amity Business School, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) H.P. Singh, Co-Chairperson of the Organizing Team for Sangathan.