The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at SGT University, Gurugram, hosted the grand Mango Festival 2025, a spectacular event dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance of mangoes, fondly known as the "King of Fruits." This vibrant festival brought together a dynamic gathering of agricultural experts, industry pioneers, enthusiastic students, and dedicated faculty members, fostering an atmosphere of learning, innovation, and celebration. The event underscored the importance of mangoes in Indian agriculture, cuisine, and heritage, while promoting sustainable farming practices and agri-business opportunities.

The festival was graced by an illustrious lineup of dignitaries, with Dr. N.K. Singh, National Professor (Dr. B.P. Pal Chair) and JC Bose National Fellow, ICAR, serving as the Chief Guest. His insightful address highlighted the pivotal role of mangoes in Indian agriculture and their global appeal. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Shailendra Rajan, Ex-Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), shared his expertise on mango cultivation and its potential to drive economic growth in rural communities.

The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished special guests, including:

• Dr. S.S. Sindhu, Emeritus Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi, who emphasized the scientific advancements in mango breeding and cultivation.
• Dr. Vinod Kumar Dhasmana, CEO, VIGEN SEEDS AND BIOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED, who discussed the role of biotechnology in enhancing mango production.
• Dr. Gyanendra Singh, Horticulture Head, Bajaj Energy, who shared insights on sustainable horticultural practices.
• Mr. G.S. Yadav, Director, Shree Krishna Pickles, who highlighted the commercial potential of mango-based products in the food industry.

The Mango Festival 2025 was a hub of excitement and engagement, attracting over 200 school students from Delhi NCR and Haryana. These young participants showcased their creativity and enthusiasm through a variety of competitions, including poster-making, quizzes, and the ever-popular mango-eating contests. The inter-faculty mango-eating competition was a highlight, with both teaching and non-teaching staff of SGT University participating with fervor, fostering camaraderie and laughter among attendees.

A major attraction of the festival was the mango exhibition, which showcased an impressive collection of over 35 mango varieties, captivating attendees with their vibrant colors, unique flavors, and distinct textures. Notable varieties on display included Amrapali, Mallika, Alphonso, Noorjahan, Sensation, Pusa Peetamber, Pusa Manohari, Banana Mango, Gulab Jamun, and Hathijhool, among others. This exhibition not only highlighted the incredible diversity of mangoes but also educated visitors about their nutritional value and culinary versatility.

Dr. Pooja Pant, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, underscored the importance of such initiatives in inspiring the younger generation to explore careers in agriculture and horticulture, while also promoting sustainable practices that ensure the longevity of this cherished fruit. The event coordinators, Dr. Rajesh Mor and Dr. Manjeet Panwar, emphasised the festival’s mission to raise awareness about the vast array of mango varieties, their health benefits, and the burgeoning opportunities in the agri-business sector.

The festival concluded on a high note with a prize distribution ceremony, where winners of the various competitions were felicitated for their outstanding performances. The esteemed guests were honored with mementoes as a token of gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the event. The Mango Festival 2025 left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the King of Fruits, sparking conversations about its cultural, economic, and nutritional significance.