Bhasha Utsav 2018

MAMCS PRESENTS Salut COMIN BACK TO THE START ! GBHASHA UTSAVYEAR OF JUBILEE!HALLO SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY Ola! HEI EVERYONE! NAMASTE! GROOVE . DANCE . CELEBRATION SATURDAY RELIVING COLOR AT 8 CHRIST UNIVERSITY HOSUR ROAD BENGALURU DISTINCT COLORS, ONE PEOPLE. https://christuniversity.in/

Bhasha Utsav a day to celebrate EthnicityInvocationLighting the tradition accustom by dignitaries Photographer: Rufus BarigalaThis year’s Bhasha Utsav was with the event. Dr emphasized on how culturemore colorful, vibrant, and Nagalakshmi gave the and social behavior are inter-energetic than ever before as welcoming speech where she related to each other and are athe emcees started off with a talked about culture and our part of this. She feels a sensesmall introductory speech role as a human towards the of belonging in the campus asabout Bhasha Utsav and society and how Christ takes the Christ campus doesn’twelcoming everyone in the pride in hosting such an event divide people on the basis of13th year of this event. every year. No better example cast or culture but treats allFollowed by lighting of the can be given than this that as one. She concluded herlamp as a mandatory ritual shows unity and diversity at speech by thanking thethat is done before one place. Bhasha Utsav is department of languages andcommencing of any event that one time when it brings all the especially our Vice Chancellor,marks Christ University and students at one place, a day a guide to every step we takeit’s traditions. Our beloved when they forget about their in this campus and withoutvice-chancellor, hectic and monotonous life whom this event wouldn’t beDr.(Fr)Thomas c Mathew, and gathers to cherish every possible.COE, Johnny Joseph and moment of this event. It notother faculties who extended only represents being united Vice Chancellors speechtheir hand to light the lamp, but also where the traditionalwhile a classical song was folk art form comes into being. “A wounded soldier who led ussung by two of the students in Dr Mallika Krishnaswami,background as the whole HOD of department of from the front” as quoted byauditorium was giving a languages took over the micthunderous clap to start off after her and she too Prof. Mallika Krishnaswami in her speech as she welcomes our Vice-Chancellor, Dr(Fr) Thomas C Mathew someone

who is known for his is known for being the most country. His speech alsoinspirational speeches that happening campus in our included how we shouldmotivates the students country. In his speech he maintain our own personalpresent in the campus. He mostly emphasized on space and not be a hindrancevery well started off by language and culture. He said to others space. He concludedappreciating Christ and how it one always brings deep his vibrant speech by intimacy to their own mother thanking the respective tongue and we usually tend to departments, faculties and the talk our heart out in that students who put up such an language. event and also how his eyes mesmerizes whenever he sees But this doesn’t mean that we students wearing dresses should disrespect people representing their culture in speaking other languages but this auspicious day. we should always respect the other. Even though people - Athul David and Abhoy wear different costumes, but Talukdar that doesn’t divide us from being one, we are one as aInaugural DanceCaption: Opening dance by Natyarpana Photographers: Rufus BarigalaThe dance took place right They performed on the song auditorium were mesmerizedafter Vice Chancellor’s speech “VandeMataram” by A.R by the performance thatthat started with an energetic Rahman, a song that brought out true colours and aperformance by the University represents India and its performance that deserved adance team, Natyarpana that diversified culture in the most round of applause.came on the stage with blue signified way possible. Thelight flashing all over them. people sitting in theA

A TREE WITHOUT ROOTSteam that proves us all the tie of culture, tradition and riches Bhasha Utsav is the litmus passed down from one test for such a test of time.To initiate the most awaited generation to another and She ended her speech by emphasizes on how this dedicating it to the one andevent by all Christites, The only Father Thomas. C. should keep going forward Mathew, who she calls aHOD of the department of before we get consumed by the wounded soldier still leading age of robots. She exclaims us from the frontline andLanguages, Dr Mallika that Bhasha Utsav is a test of thanks him for his many years civilization to see if there will leading the university to greatKrishnaswami gave a always be unity in diversity. heights.heartwarming speech -Srikesh Shenoyregarding the 13th Bhasha “Christ takes pride in celebrations ofUtsav being celebrated in the amalgamates of culture in unityChrist University Main and diversity”Campus. Dr Malika started Photos by Souptik Chatterjeewith a quote by MarcusGarvey “A people without theknowledge of their pasthistory, origin and culture islike a tree without roots”which was apt in the contextof the diverse culture in ametropolitan city likeBangalore and moreover adiversely populatedUniversity like our own.Respecting each other’sculture and knowing moreabout it is important as theworld is becoming a Globalvillage. The speech focuses onthe importance

DRUM ARAMBHAM!Message from the Stars! FiyseIatatc’srhoembirtemewneTanshacoettmhdraeadasVifttiiecoCernCtouwohhcMfnhecaBiayavnhsbtechieareoaesslntilwhthtosiayen.rygUoafntosCfdraehivtnprhHriwesetOhsdeeUDnrrunsetemitvvohe.feterrhTsafeithlethsyiest, department of Languages, Dr Mallika KrishnaswamiTo match the dynamics of an who commenced the occasion of the beloved Ethnic Day or Bhasha Utsav. Though the rubber pad of theenthralling event like our Bhasha drum mallet was flung in the sheer enthusiasm, the audience was ecstatic and were looking forward forUtsav, we had Tamil Superstars the rest of the proceedingSilambarasan TR better known as Photos by Souptik ChatterjeeSimbu or STR and \"MakkalSelvan\"(People’s Son) VijaySethupathi making an entry on thescreen to give a message to theaudience and the University tokeep up the great work and keepfocus in whatever work we do.“Each one of your talent is yourown fingerprint” added Simbu.-Srikesh Shenoy

Procession? The Ultimate Celebration!Christ University Main beautiful art is proposed to be the existing Tamil culturecampus: Just a day after since a thousands of year ago. over there. In the last fewperforming in the Christ The main reason for the years, Neyandi has been formation of the group was toBannerghatta campus, the find happiness in people and found working with IndianNeyandi Mela team was all celebrate the essence of their film composers, singers andset in the Block 1 to get love for music. For Neyandi song writers such asstarted with the Bhasha Mela team, Music is life. This Ilaiyaraaja and YuvanUtsav Procession 2018. love for music is not just for Shankar Raja. They have their own music art, but alsoNeyandi Mela has been for all other kinds of music also played for the movieperforming in the university produced across the world, Jeans. As a part of such ansince 5 years during the including western music. auspicious event, the teamBhasha Utsav and love Their art is sometimes seen has a message for all thecoming to the university not as equivalent to the art youth out there and typically practiced injust to show the importance Alanganallur, Tamil Nadu especially for students ofof this mela, but also to enjoy called as Jallikattu, where Christ University that eachand learn from the culture the youth is found trying to one of us must respect theiraround the country. Neyandi take control of a bull. The elders, grandparents and theteam is a group of 20 Neyandi Mela have been holders of all those who have found having contracts in themembers from across the been successful in carryingstate of Karnataka, of which United States and mainly such type of art with pride,3-4 members have been perform in Malaysia due to since decades long. We mustworking with the team since respect and celebrate art not25 years. The history of the just on ethnic day but eveteam remains Unattributed,but the remains of such a Credits: Harshini ArvindNeyandi mela: music is life

PROCESSIONCredits: Harshini Arvind NEYANDI MELA Credits: Harshini Arvind Credits: Harshini Arvind TEAM MEMBER YUVARAJ M.- “I want the youth to recollect the golden memories of the art from the past, not just on occassions like Bhasha Utsav but everyday. I want the youth to understand our culture which has utmost glory and respect all forms of art over the world.”CELEBRATION

CAULDRON OF GLOBAL CULTURESThe main campus of Christ University spectacular drum beats accompanied bywas lit with the riot of colors on Saturday singing and complex demonstrations,morning as the whole campus celebrated made it stand out and occupied a place of pride in Christies’ heart.the 13th Bhasha Utsav or the Ethnic Day.The entire length of the entrance was The procession then advanced towards thereplete with hues of different flowers. The main auditorium was lead by the Dollucampus acted as the melting pot of Kunitha performers followed by thecultures around the world for the day, Student Council members and the first year UG students. A few students in thewith women clad in beautiful sequined front held colorful umbrellas which addedsaree. all the more zeal to the procession.As the people gathered at Block II awaited - Merin Paulthe procession to begin, they slightlyswayed to the subtlebeats of the Dollu in thebackground. DolluKunitha (Lingaiah andparty from Mandiya)represents one of themost famed folk dancesof Karnataka. The Swaying to the beatsPhoto by Gopika Krishnan Photo by Gopika Krishnan “Today is when we get to know about all the different cultures in our college and interact with people of different ethnicities”

Pedestal of PridePhoto by Gopika KrishnanPerennial Dollu member of the Commerce As the Dollu KunithaKunith Department Mr. Prakash performers moved ahead the shared, “It is purely Shingari Melam reverberatedWhen the excited crowd was heartwarming to witness all in the atmosphere.asked about the importance of these cultures come Enveloped by nature, allof the day, one of them said, “ together. The students have christites come together onIt’s really all the day of Bhasha Utsav ashard to find this kind of dressed up colourfully and one and merge into a happyenergy on the campus on a their faces are gleaming with family.daily basis, so today is really joy”.special because of - Merin Pau A visibly spellbound Anmolthe fact that everyone is an undergraduate said, “Thisreally excited and adding on is extremely new to me, allto this is the vibrancy of the the celebration and thecampus” .She colours and I’m totally looking forward to thecontinues by adding, “Today upcoming events for the day”.is when we get to know about Speaking ofall the different cultures inour college and interact with diversity, Chad from the U.S.people of different comments on the festival,ethnicities” .Apart from the “It’s great to see so manyChristies’ who were already cultures comefamiliar with the on-goings ofBhasha Utsav, there were a together and I’m extremelyfew newbie that we spotted happy about the fact that allaround the procession. these students get an entire day to let their hair down andAn overwhelmed and unwind”.considerably new faculty

The Dance of Traditional HuesBewitched by the Tribe VibeCHRIST (Deemed to be wearing common and regular Shireen HonmodeUniversity) is like a world dresses but as the ethnic daywithin a world. Just like the starts coming closer, girls Being a Christite has perks ofway a place enhances your especially begin flocking its own especially when you’reexperience of being and markets and beauty salons to living in the golden era of 50belongingness, Bhashautsav at look their best on this special glorious years. With theCHRIST (Deemed to be day. Not just that, but the culture as the root of everyUniversity) is the occasion for whole college is decorated with colorful and festive vibe, we atall students to showcase their fresh flowers, colorful décor CHRIST (Deemed to beethnicity. On the usual college and all students become the University) are culturally richdays, students are seen different jewels of this day. and diverse!Picture credit – Sachin K George DolluKunitha in Action

Picture credit – SachinK GeorgeOne of the many specialties of around them groove to the various forms of dance fromthis day lies in the phenomenal beat of their drum.procession that takes place in different states likethe college campus. It is truly a These artists are specialspectacle to experience at least performers who come from the DolluKunitha from Karnatakaonce in a lifetime! Lucky are different cultural and ethnicthose who get to be a part of background. They portrayed and Andhra Pradesh which isthis whole celebratory process.There are different clusters of performed to glorify Lordperformers who are scatteredaround every block and they Beereshwara, NaiyandiMelamcome together beating thedrums, hooting, dancing on from Kerala which is a form ofthe beat and making everybody art that uses realism to tell a story. Then comes SingariMelam also known as Chendamelam is another form of art which uses synchronized drum beat to create a mind-blowing effect! The whole procession goes from Block III and Block IV all the way to the Auditorium Block where they will perform on the stage. You have to see it believe that magic really happens at CHRIST (Deemed to be University. Picture credit SachinK George

Let’s do the ‘Kottu’ – Singari MelamCut off all your worries because Kottu ishere to lift your spirits up. The auspiciousoccasion of Bhasha Utsav was celebratedat the Christ Campus and the inauguralcelebrations made everything a lotbrighter than it already was. The teamthat gathered to perform were 'The BlueArmy'. They are a team of 25 people led byAkhil.They have been performing this art for 20years. Their mere presence filled thecampus up with a joy like no other. Alsoknown as Chenda melam,it translates to acarnival of beats of drums. True to itsorigin, Singari melam includes vibrancy,colour, grandeur and just pure excitementand pleasure of performing. Credits: Nikita Jacob & Amal Antony

BEAT THE BLUES OUT!With the beats of the drums,the performers move theirbodies the way the beatwants them to move. Theintricacy and the simplicityof their dance definitelymade everyone in thecampus drop everything andjoin in.The team Blue Army didmore than just justice to thisart form and owned theperformance. The membersof the team, are all fromdifferent professions butthey have been performingfor the last 20 years becauseit is their passion. Theirperformance had a clearindication of how passionatethey were about this. Thename ‘Blue Army’ camefrom the blue colour shawlthat the performerstraditionally wear whileperforming.Simran Handa & ShreyaMohan



Cheers to The Ensemble of Rhythm and Beats!Drum Roll please! From a wave their arms swiftly to beats and rhythm, withrendition of high-energy audience cheering andpercussion to soft beats that play drums, a group of people applauding, the performancetakes one through the closes.pristine charm of God’s Own in the team play the rhythmCountry, a 25-member team Their ‘The Blue Army’ troupeof ‘The Blue Army’ troupe with Edathalam,Veekchenda, is led by Akhil Srinivasanfrom Kasargod, Kerala, and he proudly talks aboutfloored the audience with and Elathalam with their his team saying that thetheir hour-long performance youngest of their team isof ‘Shingari Melam’. percussion instruments. With Siddharth who is 15 years old and Venu is of 45 years old.As a team of trained artistes a short interview taken from With such a distinction in the age line, their troupe the people, they proudly said stays united to the vibe of the Christs Bhashautsav 2018. that the Shingari Melam is Reporter & Editor: Ronit & an updated version of Akhileshwari. A chendamelea. Swirling Photo Credit: Nisha Manoj around in a quick succession, the drummers change their positions to perform ‘Shingari Melam’ with perfect synchronisation of footwork and beats. With a 15-minute-long ‘Shingari Melam’ that resonated the hall for a long time with vibrating

Voice of ChristitesBhasha Utsav, a day when varied cultures and unique diversities come together in celebration. This is the day that gives students an opportunity to learn about different ethnicities that are a part of this vast campus. Cultural understanding is important when everyone is together in a place that has become a global village. “Christ has provided us all with a great platform to meet and experience different types of ethnicities from all over the world. Today on Bhasha Utsav, it feels like a celebration of not only culture but also of democracy and independence. The Peta I’m wearing today is quite significant and describes a part of my culture and my pride in the same.” says M. Anurag from BA LLB \"I wanted to show everyone my ethnic culture by wearing my cultural attire on the day of Bhasha Utsav. Christ is the only place, where all cultures survive and melt with each other effortlessly. This year is the 50-year Jubilee so it is more celebratory. They have put in limelight certain aspects of Nepalese, Koreans and African Culture.\" says Lakshmi from 3E “The campus is really colourful and vibrant today and I really look forward to the same the whole day. Today is the day everyone has come wearing their traditional garbs, without fearing any judgment. Today, according to me, is the day of acceptance.” says Ishmitie Limby from PSEng.

“The idea of Bhasha Utsav is verytouching to me because it aims to sharecultures. Today I’m going to meet newpeople and thus learn more about eachother’s diverse cultures. And I’m reallylooking forward to that.” says BokhitAmir from 5CME.“In India, culture and language is a veryimportant part of their life and theycherish it here to the core. Being very faraway from my home, that is Turkey, I getto live my culture with everybody around.And that is exactly what Bhasha Utsav isall about, where we all see new culturesand enjoy them all together.” says HaticeGuneli from BA Psychology.“I’m meeting different kind of people. ButI’m not feeling different or alone, morelike at home, because everyone is wearingtheir own attire. With that attire, theybring with them a piece of home and so itfeels like home here. I am happy thatBhasha Utsav has brought us togethertoday.” says YiHaoHan who is studyingBBA who hails from China.Mohammad Bilal says \"It’s my firstBhasha Utsav and it is very nice toexperience such a new and vibrant eventfor the first time in my life. The differenttypes of clothes I have seen are very niceand different. I have lived in Saudi formore than 13 years, and wheneversomeone asks what is home, we say Saudiand India.\"





Celebrations began in the have to think about CIAs. It’s one another, this has givenquadrangle of the first block our escape into fantasy.”, said rise to various kinds ofalmost by noon with a R Srinidhi, a student from dresses andmajestic grandeur when fifth semester BCcomscores of students, gathered honours A. styles. The dressing styleat the quadrangle, clad in varies from culture tocolourful attires signifying India is known for herthe various ethnic diversities, diversity and, ethnic clothing culture.started to sway on the beats is one amongst those whichof DJ Rajan. distinguishes her from the The Dollu Kunitha, a major rest of the world. popular drum dance ofPerhaps, the Bhasha Utsav Karnataka. Accompanied byhad been started with themotive to awaken the singing, it provideslongingness for one’scommunity and cultural spectacular variety andtradition, in the hearts of the complexity of skills.students who come from Woven around thediverse ethnic backgrounds, presiding deity ofbut, it has turned out to be a Beereshwara, chieflyday when the students arefreed from the shackles ofCIAs, assignments and dresscode. It’s a day for whichmost of the Christites eagerlywait throughout the year.The Bhasha Utsav Day is aA DAY WHEN DIVERSITIESCOME TOGETHERvibrant day full of colours. worshipped by theThe university campus Kurba Gowdasseemed to have been flooded of Karnataka andwith colours; colours thatsignify our cultural traditions also calledand distinguish us from one Halumathasthas,another. it presents both entertainment and“Ethnic day is a different spiritualexperience, for a Christite edification.especially. It lets us have funin a very regulated Dancers inenvironment. This willalways continue. It’s fun, it’s Indian traditional attires Naiyandi costumeone place where we don’t have earned admirers from all over the world. All forms perform during the initial “It’s our escape of clothing are quite labour into fantasy” preparations of the Kohomba - R. Srinisdhi intensive and requires a lot of attention to detail. As every Kankariya festival, during state of India is geographically as well the lighting of the lamps and linguistically different from the preparation of foods for the demons. The dancer wears a white cloth and white turban, beadwork decorations on his chest, a

waistband, rows of beads participated in all these provides a platform wherein celebrations. Perhaps this is people, although different inaround his neck, silver how this year’s Bhasha Utsav their ways and cultures, came to an end. languages and beliefs, comechains, brass shoulder plates, together under the common Bhasha Utsav hence bridges roof of Christ university,anklets, and jingles. This is a the differences between these learn to respect one another diverse communities and despite being so much ofgraceful dance, also cultural heritage. When, we differences and co-operate belong to a world where one one another to flourish andperformed in Maha Visnu man tries to eat up the other prosper making this world a just because his views don’t better to live.(Vishnu) and Kataragama match with that of the other person, Bhasha Utsav -Pratik ChakrabortyDevales temples onceremonial occasions. Thesewere major attractions of thisyear’s ethnic day.The students’ wholeheartedly and blissfully Photo Credits: Aditi Bhutda

MERAKIwith love and dedication The fourteenth edition of the most awaited Bhasha Utsav is finally here. Months of preparation and hard work by different wings of the university has finally paid off. What comes with Bhasha Utsav is Ethnic day and a celebration of colour and ethnicity. As we enjoy this day of festivities and vibrancy, we must not forget the pioneers of this grandcelebration of diversity, the coordinators of the event – Dr Mallika Krishnaswami, Dr George Joseph and Dr Shivaprasad Y S.Being the Head of the world. It is a reminder that we dance teams representing various parts of the NorthDepartment of Language, Dr all belong somewhere, no India and Northeast India.Mallika Krishnaswami has matter how far we go, the root This included states of Gujarat and Mizoram. Otherbeen working hard to make will bring us back to a rich states include Andhra“Students, you are the major force.” and beautiful tradition. This is aBhasha Utsav 2018, a grand way of thanksgiving,success. A one on one to go back andinterview with her gave us a remember our roots.few insights and behind-the- What started Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Naduscene glances of what Ethnic off in 2005, Bhasha and Karnataka. There wereDay is all about. She defines Utsav, is an eventethnicity to be a part of one’s that has evolved over some internationalroot culture that includes the years. Drtheir beliefs, traditions and Krishnaswami, being performances as well,value systems. This includes the senior most member of the including a Thai, Nepali,the way one dresses and department, sheds some lightcarries themselves. This, she about the transformation that Tibetan and African Dancesays, are the elements that she has seen over the years.make up an ethnic identity. She calls the event ‘The forms. Dr Krishnaswami saysWhen asked about what she Queen of Festivals’ because of that this year, there havefeels about Ethnic day, Dr its beauty and grandeur. SheKrishnaswami mentions that also mentions that it is one been more teams who want toit is an opportunity to single event that brings allcelebrate the diversity on 20,000+ students and about perform and mentions thatcampus. 2,000 faculty together. She the international ethnicitiesShe feels that, with the goes on to say that it hasn’t have come forward as well.emergence of globalisation, changed in charm and beauty, With the NCC, SWO and the student council pitching in, Drthe ethnic component of a with the students coming in Mallika Krishnaswami says that the department ofperson becomes lesser and with vibrant ethnic costumes language no more takes creditlesser as we get affected by it. and the event just growing as for the success of the event but it is the joint effort of allShe says that as we live in the years go by. these people that make Bhasha Utsav what it is.this fast moving world, we This year, being the Jubileetend to lose touch with our year, there are a few newroots. She feels that the world elements that are added to thewill turn into a mechanic festivities. There have been

Dr George Joseph, the head of organising an event like this to understand the importancethe department of Hindi, has and significance of Bhashabeen working at Christ for the is to reinforce the cultural Utsav. He says that our desi culture should be expressed.past 31 years. On interviewing background and heritage in The way we dress, speak andhim, we found out a lot of facts eat have their ownthat shaped what we the minds of the significance. He says thatexperiences today. Bhasha these are disappearing so theyUtsav is his main focus, where students. He says want to showcase all thesehe says that it is the main things in Bhasha Utsav.festival that is celebrated that only when it This year, lot of students areacross the campus, including getting involved, and theall deaneries and all degree comes to Bhasha celebrations have beenprogrammes. The teaching, multiplied tenfold. Drnon-teaching and the students Utsav will they Shivaprasad says thatget involved in the event as a students enjoy the processionunited force. With regard to realise the part of the festivities and thelogistics, Dr Joseph says that professional teams’ dance,everyone is part and parcel of seriousness of which include Dollu Konitha,the event, be it directly or Neyyandi Melam and Singariindirectly. understanding what Melam. Dr Shivaprasad explains thatWhat started out as separate their roots are. This this festival is organised tolanguage events has become bring people togetheran amalgamation of all these a platform to culturally, where the studentsevents into what we call have the liberty to choose toBhasha Utsav today. Dr remind us that our participate in the different artGeorge Joseph explained thatthe separate events were not mother tongue is important. Credits: Prathik Desaihelping and that there was aneed for an integrated ethnic Dr Joseph says that he looks forms.festival. And thus, Bhasha According to Dr Shivaprasad,Utsav was formulated.He goes at Bhasha Utsav as a day to the main focus, he says, is onon to explain that even though the professional teams. It isall of them come from celebrate diversity and the liked by one and all, an eventdifferent ethnic backgrounds that brings everyone together.and have different traditions, fact that we are still one. He closes by saying that hethey come together by would like to join in with thespeaking each other’s For a person who has been at festivities as well, but being alanguages and understand faculty member, he hesitates.each other in a unique way. CHRIST for about 25 years, -Roshni Rajagopal & Niharika There’s one question Dr Shivaprasad Y S has not PVsome may ask. Why do weneed to celebrate this festival? lost his enthusiasm forWhen asked to Dr Joseph, hesaid that the main aim of Bhasha Utsav. The interview that we conducted showed that he was waiting for the event and for the celebrations to begin. Being a Kannada professor who teaches all undergraduate course and a beginner class for the students from the department of law, he gives his insight on how ethic day has been over the years. He says that the event is meant to remind the students of their rich culture and roots. But, he feels like as though these notions are gone and that students dress up only to be fashionable. Regarding Ethnic day, Dr Shivaprasad says that students must showcase the ethnic wear, where they should represent their culture and heritage. Students have

A Matter of Pride.Sub heading - The Pooja On their tenth visit including Nadaswaram,Neyyandi Melam team is to Christ Deemed tomaking its 10th appearance University's mega event, Thavil, Drums performance,in Christ's Bhashautsav Bhashautsav, the group leader of Pooja Neyyandi Pambai and ThapattamNeyyandi Melam is an Melam team, Yuvaraj. M,indegenous art form of the reflected on his happy visits which are all part of thelands of Madurai, Tanjavur to the Christ campus. \"This isand Vellore in Tamil Nadu. one of the most enthusiastic group performance on theOriginating in the 12th student crowds we have evercentury, the natives of these performed for\", he said, as he day of Bhashautsav. \"Whentowns and villages have revealed his special love forpassed the torch from one the college. The level of we hear the crowdgeneration to another, organisation, discipline andkeeping it alive in its most punctuality showed during applauding the way studentsvibrant form. It is not just a Bhashautsav was somethingway to entertain an audience, he found surprising but do at Christ, it encourages usfor the Neyyandi performers, appreciated to thebut a way to express their maximum. to put our heart and soul intoculture through music anddance. Neyyandi Melam is a the performance\", a member culmination of several musical and dance forms of the group who has been active in the art for over twenty two years said. The spirit of Bhashautsav is truly unique, not just for the students of Christ Deemed to be University, but to each and every individual who gets an opportunity be a part of it.

Man Behind The Ethnic BeatsSeveral individuals become the person and DJ he is now, sixteen years since.contribute to the success of \"Music has no language\", he The sound engineer cum DJ said as he described hisBhashautsav every year, but said that Christ facilitated feeling when he plays music his growth, both forone man has professionally and thousands of zealousbeen ever-present in this personally, as he had little students on the day ofgrand cultural extravaganza knowledge about sound Bhashautsav. DJ Rajan's- DJ Rajan. DJ Rajan, who engineering when he started main objective as a DJ is tohas been part of this exciting out, \"Ethnic day in Christ is make sure songs thatjourney from Day 1, now different from other colleges, represent different cultures we celebrate language on a are played on this joyoushosts an entire DJ grand scale\". Music adds occasion.programme for the students, flavour to ethnic day, andwhere he plays music of every passing year, students \"The best thing about the dayvarious languages, further are more excited to witness are the students themselves.enhancing the spirit of the musical feast provided by Ultimately, we want to see DJ Rajan on Bhashautsav. them happy\".Bhashautsav. When he joinedChrist University at a tenderage of 18 as an office staff, hedid not predict that he would

Colouring the Canvas of ChristCulture and color have longbeen an indispensable part ofChrist University. Withdiversity so colossal andethnicity compelling everyone of us to delve into itsdeeply rooted magic, Christuniversity saw anunparalleled danceperformance by the verypopular Naiyandi dance teamfrom Krishnagiri.The vibrancy and the coloursgiven away by their magicalperformance werequintessential andexceptionally beautiful.Ethnic day at Christuniversity saw a plethora ofethnic and culturalprocessions oozing-outdelight as they went ahead.Depicting various danceforms through theirperformance the Naiyandidance team came as a breathof fresh air. Their Multicoloured attire instilled anodd sense of happinessamong the audience. With ademeanour so bright andhappy who could have deniedthe instant rush of delightand thrill? Surprisinglyenough, their storytellingreflecting the reality of lifewas breathtaking in its own.With the magic of Thavil,Pambai, Thapattam, and thebang of the drums theirperformance reached to thepinnacle of artistic wonder.Starting from thequadrangle, they seemed to In art we unite to spread love so brighthave the audience in theirhold. The captivating drumrolls were loud and clear.

Photo Credit: Subarna D. ChowdhuryWith the bang of two comes the rhythm for youThe audience was was a clear reflection of their Christ University and themesmerised, so much so that skills and the spectacular celebration of the ethnic dayit couldn’t help but bang their versatility of the dance form. can be called more as aheads to the traditional beats celebration of life andof the drums. Later, they As the procession took place identity. It saw the mirroringheaded to the main gate they were seen heading to the of the innumerable cultureswhere the charm of their central block where everyone and traditions that our Indiapower packed performance from Christ seemed to have has been putting on the tableonly added up to the been captivated by their for years. Christ painted thecelebration. Everyone seemed beats and the performances canvas of India with coloursto groove to the rhythm and of other artists as well. And so bright and strokes soit would be an surprisingly enough, the remarkable that for everyunderstatement to say that diversity brought out a class form of art or even a traditionthey were good. The dance example of togetherness in for that matter, India and itsperformance saw a big crowd heart and soul. people willswaying to the rhythm of thebeats that they so effortlessly India is a culturally diverse be proud of. Well, it’s rightlydanced on. The drum section and an ethnically opulent said, only culture can widenof the dance form and the country that doesn’t shy our spirits and embrace theway Yuvraj and his dance away from bragging about its most sacred depths of ourtroupe danced on the beats rich culture and heritage. souls. The mass procession at the

Bhasha Utsav cultural shining representation of and props represented theirperformances took of with their age-old traditions. age old culture in all itsTeam Kerala taking up the The African Team were up glory.stage in the Main Auditorium next who put up a modern The ambience and theand putting up a magnificent approach to their culture intensity of the celebrationsact. Beginning their act with with their music with a lot of left the audience wanting fora Malayalam monologue,they shifted to a dance American influences in their Photo Credits : Virain Mohanperformed by a group of five music.and a display of skills with The final team on the stage more. This occasion has trulythe swords. To close it up, was Team Tamil Nadu who brought out the vibrancy ofthey performed various types took a very folk approach the university to its fullest.of dances, all of them a when it came to their – Rohan Pradhanbeautiful representation of performance. Their costumestheir culture. Following themwere Team Tibet whoperformed the famousKhampa Dance with a groupof sixteen. They made itrealistic with their approachand the props they used, likereal instruments.Following them were TeamKarnataka who did abeautiful enactment aboutvarious aspects of theirdistinguished culture. Thevarious dances, the storyline,the methods etc. were all a

A Charade of Steps…The Bhasha Utsav and the best part about the loud and evencelebrations of 2018 left no performance is how thestone unturned when it came artists are able to maintain aggressive at times, and yet, they enthralled the audienceto celebrating ethnicity. A direct eye contact with the with their jaw droppingwide variety of dances were spectators, in this way performance. They wereperformed in the PU creating a two way bond. successful in getting theQuadrangle during the day audience to their feet, up and Photo Credits : Virain Mohanwhich represented One of the dances performed crazy. The other folk dancesKarnataka performed were along the there was the Dollu Kunitha, same lines of energetic, loud,and other states of the South a famous Kannada drum adventurous and yet all theIndian fraternity. These centred folk dance. while extremely professional.dance forms are really closeto the hearts of the localities The dancers were Mohan The audiences went professional, adventurous, crazy with the dance as they themselves were on their feet, in attempt to sync with the beating of the drums! – Rohan Pradhan

\"SYMPHONY WITH STUDENTS' COMPANY\"Christ University celebrates witnessed by the students Music is an inevitable50 years of excellence this from different cultures. artform which is loved byyear with a whole lot of everyone from the down of Music groups from variedcultural events. Bhasha cultures were invited to the time. When that artformUtsav 2018 is one amongst campus such as Singari symphonizes vivid cultures\"BEATS COVERTED TO RHYTHM OF LIFE\" Melam from Kerala, Dollu and ethnicities, it is a rhythm kunita from Karnataka, to ears and a treat for the Neyyandi Melam and many eyes. Christ University more. created this opportunity for the students of varied The idea was to offer visual cultures to witness such a correlatives for symphony of cultures and allowed themselves to different ethnicities indulge in this wonderful celebration and come out and cultures of flying colors. music by performing - Kavya B it amongst the students of Christ University from different cultures.those events. Even though Many colors, mixedthere were many eventsorganized symphony of emotions, differentcultures was one incident costumes but with one feeling of togetherness that’s how the students around the Christ campus were rejuvenated, excited, and all dressed to celebrate the most awaited event that is Bhasha Utsav.

\"ONE STAGE, VIVID CULTURES GIVEN BIRTH\"On the account of Bhasha performed their folk dance motivated for the rest of the that is Garba and day.Utsav 2018, apart from the DandiyaRaas. - Rhythm Guptavivid cultural performances \"All the rivers have to join the ocean inin the campus there were Andhra Pradesh presented the end so do the different culturesseveral performances themselves with Kuchipudi, come on oneorganized in the Main Kolapan, and Lambadi as platform on BhashaAuditorium. The theme for their different styles in such Utsav\"the dance competition being a way that audience couldn’tas “different stop admiringcultures of the and take theirworld” students eyes of them.of Christ With decentUniversity costumes andshowcased their showcasingtalents and their folkexhibited dance moves Andhraforms such Pradesh teamMizoram, won the heartsGujarat, of the people.Thailand, Finally, the program came to an end with the mostAndhra Pradesh and Nepal. energetic performance by blue army from KeralaKnown for simplicity and presented like an Orchestravibrant culture, team Gujaratmade an entry to the stage with drums which let the audience with energy levelwith full energy and vibrantcolored costumes andDesigned by Gauri-Photography by Arunabh

WELCOME TO ETHNI-CITY“It feels as if the colours are The chemical bond between Bhasha utsav that brought Indian and western wear along the theme of Ethnictalking to me. They are wear. It seemed as if the produced a startling colours were flying as eachcalling for joy and combination.togetherness. They are and every block of thecraving for diversity.” Such electrifying energies campus was surroundedWelcome to ETHNI-CITY. with diverse people. were observed within the - Rishabh Sharma and PrachiFashion here is makingpeople confident here. students of ChristComparison between theethnic wear of differentstates is electrifying. Thefashion of Nagaland is noless than that ofArunachal.The pathway ofthe university that isturned into a ramp isshowcasing the costumes bythe ethnic designers ofvarious states. University on the jollification of Credits: Payal Choudhury Bhasha Utsav with full on Desi Swag. “It’s our final year and we love the joyous atmospherearound us. Well, for us fashion is all about looking good. Ittook us a month to decide on our clothes and uhh (laughs) a week to finalise.” – Tanya (CMA, 3rd year)

The new MAROON 5!“DUSKING IT OFF!!!Offbeat is the new beat.”-Priyanka (DPS) All eyes are on you! “It feels amazing as my family is here for the first time. It feels great.” - Jonathan Kim (Co-ordinator of CDI)

Magana With TeachersHow is language taught? respect the culture they have lent a hand to createHow is respect for diverse cannot understand; leaders the multicultural Bhashabackgrounds and cultures who will carry the torch of Utsav 2018. They havetaught? They are taught by their community spoken on Bhasha Utsavresponsible educators who forward.Let us talk to a 2018 as well as thecreate leaders for few “torch bearers” of importance to celebratetomorrow; leaders who will education in Christ, who such an ethnic day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Vijayalakshmi A, Issac P Elias, “Bhasha Utsav is an Dept of Computer Science Dept of Management Studies opportunity for our students as they get to“I am a visual person and I “I have been in Christ for get to see varied fifteen years and Bhasha express their views, Utsav is one of the most culture and other aspects. combination of hues of prestigious and significant It is very important for allcolours. I believe when you programs over here. Unity in diversity is one of the the students across the smile, you spread core values of the secular campuses to be aware of happiness. On this day, I country called India and can see a smile in every their surroundings and single individual in the Christ university has people and their campus and I believe this always been a place where preferences and is the most beautiful day the country’s core valuesfilled with happiness and it backgrounds. I loved the spreads positive energy are followed. So, in that program today. We saw a through me. Belonging to context, Bhasha Utsav is very significant because in lot of pretty girls and this country filled with handsome boys wearing various cultures; a higher this campus we have their tradition with pride.education institution with students from all over the The best part of the an intake of varied world. Everyone gets a students – Christ is very chance to exhibit their own programs is always - much a mixture of many culture and values. Thus, energy. I wish the studentscultures. We become aware the entire process enriches that this university has had this much energy our social lives.” while doing their various students from different cultures within classroom work too.” India and outside on this day.”

Dr. Mayamma Joseph Dr. Raghavendra A N Anand Shankar Raja M Dept. of Mathematics Dept. of Management Studies Dept. of Commerce “See, I think this is one “Bhasha Utsav organized “We all know that place where you can by Christ is a place where Bangalore is a hub for literally see unity in we get to know our culture various cultures. I feel that in a deeper way. Thus, it isdiversity. Now, I’ve been in important to celebrate this if so many studentsChrist since 1991 and I’ve program where people are weren’t there, we couldn’t made to remember their have taught subjects like seen various versions of Bhasha Utsav and I culture, tradition and communication, rituals. Plus, a celebration management, etc. This approve the philosophy meeting also ensures behind the event. On this of culture gives us an day, a variety of regions, opportunity to mingle with mingling. It’s so states, communities are each other and learn about mesmerizing that even beautifully portrayed. So, the other existing cultures though we know a lot this is a very important in the world. For students, about a culture, still then we’re proven wrong. Being event where people Bhasha Utsav is a teachers, we should givecelebrate their colours and remembrance of their past the space for going on and researching than spoon- others’ too.” and it even gives us an feeding. The main point of opportunity to think about Basha Utsav is celebrating ethnicity and thus, it how we can improve our teaches one patience and approaches to represent all focus, among other things.” cultures.”Production TeamTeam Page Editor Reporter Photographer Designer Team Page Editor Reporter Photographer Designer G1 2-3 Abhoy Athul Rufus Abhijith G2 4-5 Srikesh Srikesh Souptik Vaanmathe G10 22-23 Roshni Roshni Prathik Niharika G3 6-7 Drishti Nidhin Apurba G4 8-9 Rajeshwari Merin Harshini G11 24-25 Kshitij Kshitij Rohit Mebin G5 10-11 Shireen Shireen Gopika Minni G6 12-13 Simran Amal Sachin Tijo G12 26-27 Priyadarshni Taranjeet Subarna Saagar G7 14-15 Akhileshwari Ronit Nikita G8 16-17 Atulya Sparsh Nisha Shreya G13 28-29 Rohan Rohan Virain Gayathri G9 20-21 Pratik Teresa Keya Annu Aditi B Aditi H G14 30-31 Kaavya Rhythm Arunabh Gauri Ankitha G15 32-33 Prachi Rishab Payal Payal G16 34-35 Anisha Anisha Vikrant Keran 1,18,19,36 Sharanya NoelProject Coordinator: Fr Biju K Chacko | Student Coordinators: Prathik & Prachi | Editor: Sharanya |Layout: Noel A Department of Media Studies Initiative