Commix_BhashaUtsav 2017

Bhashautsav 2017 A Media Studies Initiative

Unfurling the essence of Bhasha Utsav Photo: Serene Z Dr.Thomas C. Mathew, Vice Chancellor of Christ University truly brought out the energy and the vibrance in the students with his address which made the audi- ence extremely lively and portray the true vibrancy of the campus. He spoke to the gathering about the importance and the signifi- cance of Bhasha Utsav, especially in the present day society. He em- phasised on how he was asked by students abroad about the peace and harmony that exists with so much of diversity and differences. He spoke how the biggestVoice of the Front Runner transformation in educa- tion is appreciating other cultures and identities, and how our responsibility is to know how to empower and appreciate the languages, cultures and tradi- tions. Christ University is known for its diversity and culture and is sending a message of harmony to the society .He congratulated all the students on representing their cultures in their own ethnic wear and bringing out the tradition and custom of their own cultures- Serene ZLighting the lamp of diversity Photo:Kishan H R The drum rolls to the beginning of Bhasha Utsav Photo: Serene Z

A “BACK TO THE ROOTS” WELCOME the HODs as well as other profes- sors went on to light the lamp as the music played in the back- ground. Dr. George Joseph gave the wel- come speech and emphasised on the fact that Bhasha Utsav has been celebrated with a lot of splen- dour and grace and this is the twelfth year of the same enthusi- asm that echoes from the walls of the auditorium. Bhasha Utsav brings the entire student commu- nity on campus and the students bring in with them a lot of vigour. According to Dr. Joseph, Welcome Address by Dr. George Joseph India is a country of diverse Photo: Kishan H R languages, cultures and tra- ditions and we are governed by norms and cultures which areThe inaugural address began with the emcee wel- the pillars of the society. He gave coming everyone as well as talking a bit about the main message of Bhasha Utsav as commemorating Bhasha Utsav. Bhasha Utsav began in 2005 and it cultures and ethnicity beyond border, beyond our conti-has been clubbed with Ethnic Day today. nent. We should respect and recognise an individual’s culture and tradition.The melody filled the ears of people who were in themain auditorium of Christ University on 9th September,2017. The Vice Chancellor, Thomas C Mathew along with light the fact that social changes affect the par- enting, relationship and lifestyle. She talked about imparting the right kind of values in the youth that might help them to lead a bet- ter life. There has been an increasing number of suicides in today’s generation and one of the reasons are that the Address by Dr. Mallika Krishnaswami inner voices are Photo: Serene Z pleading to be heard. Today’s youth are mistaking westerniza- tion for modernization.The 21st century changes in the proved the living standards of Bhasha Utsav opens the eyes ofsociety were very well describedby Dr Mallika Krishnaswami in people along with equal rights youth to a tradition they belongher address. She stressed thatthese changes are shaking the and empowerment of women, the to and makes them realize thefoundation on which Indian val-ues are built. Technology has im- example being the recent case of uniqueness of culture and ethnic- Nirmala Sitharaman being ap- ity. It is the oneness that Christ pointed as the Defence Minister fraternity cherishes. of India. She was quick to high-

Bhasha Utsav is a cultural extrav- right now. We want to take the stu- How has Bhasha Utsav helped pre- aganza celebrated at Christ Uni- dents back to their culture and experi- serve the tradition and culture of indi- versity, Bengaluru, every year. ence it. The students have gone very viduals?The festival has been celebrated with far from the culture that is beena lot of spirit and jest. This is a day very rich to us. Bhasha utsav is thewhere students get to interact and un- occasion to revive those cultures.derstand different cultures and by theend of the day find their own cultural What do you have to say about theorigins. One major reason behind this fact that regional literature is notfestival becoming such a huge success given much importance as com-is the amount of effort and work put in pared to English literature?by the faculty of The Department OfLanguages. The Department of Media The reason behind it is Globalisa-Studies took interviews of four es- tion. In the global context, eventeemed professors of the Department higher education has been domi-and these are the excerpts from the in- nated by English. The trend is to-terview wards the west. The attraction towards the west is so dominant DIVERSE SYMPHONIES,A DIVERSE DEPARTMENT“We are all what we are” Mallika that a lot of other languages (apart Dr Mallika KrishnaswamyKrishnaswamy, the Head of The De- from English) are neglected. Photo: Serene Zpartment Of Languages has been wit-nessing the Bhasha Utsav over the What measures can be taken in Change is very important across all in-years. She does feel that there has schools to implement regional lit- stitutions. Christ University is one ofbeen a shift in the way that this festival erature? the foremost institutions that adoptsis portrayed every year and has high change. It is a change that is liked byhopes for the coming years. More and more language teachers the youngsters and we want to make should create awareness that learning them aware of Bhasha Utsav that willHow is Bhasha Utsav developed over your own language is as essential as help trace back to their origins.the years? any other language. Because of our at- Varsha Narayanan traction towards the west we are tend-Bhasha Utsav seemed to be more ing to disown our own culture,meaningful those days. Because we tradition and also the mother tongue.did not have to stress much on the sig- The teachers should teach that there isnificance of Bhasha utsav. Whereas we nothing to be shameful about one’sare finding it as a very big challenge language and culture because that is your root and that speaks a lot.Dr George Joseph, The Head Of The Students are the Focus Can you elaborate on the Hindi Department, feels that efforts put by students the excitement has been everincreasing and has not once toned Bhasha Utsav the students from differ- for Bhasha Utsav?down. According to him, the focus ofthe whole event are the students who ent cultures get to interact with each The entire student community is in-make it a point to ensure that this fest other and thus there is an intermix of volved in the arrangement for variousis a success. different cultures and traditions. activities. They are either involved in Bhasha Utsav is not only about differ- participating in the event or technicalWhat is your opinion of Bhasha Utsav support or as volun-having witnessed it over the years? ent languages but it teers. The UG as wellBhasha Utsav is one of the major pro- is also about differ-grammes at Christ University where as the PG students arethe entire student community is in- ent cultures.volved. This is the twelfth year of a part and parcel ofBhasha Utsav and students’ participa- Is there any new ele- Bhasha Utsav.tion has never gone down since the ment that you wouldyear I’ve been involved with it. The What do you have tostudents participate every year with like to add in Bhashathe same amount of enthusiasm and say about the lack ofspirit and I am sure it is only going to Utsav?increase this year. Hindi literature being We are focusing on taught in schools andDo you think that the language studies the folk tradition of colleges in comparisonis given the importance that it de- India as well as to English literature?serves by the society at large? abroad. Our main The job opportuni-The main motive is to promote the cul- motive of focusing Dr George Joseph ties provided to peo-ture of India through the student com- on the folk tradition Photo: Serene Z ple requires a goodmunity. Through the celebration of is because this tradi- tion is slowly becoming extinct. command over English language. This Bhasha Utsav is a way of encouraging is one of the main reasons for the such traditions. So I think there precedence of English literature over should be more events and perform- Hindi literature. ances that showcase folk tradition. Swetha Ravi

Dr. Y. S. Shivaprasad, The Head enjoy this programme to their heart’s we make it a point to add something of The Department of Kan- content. The Department of Lan- new in terms of performances and it nada, feels that Bhasha Utsav is guages has been hosting this pro- always turns out to be a success. I gramme for the past ten years and it would personally like more and more serves as a model for other institu- cultures to be added. There is a need tions. It is our duty to showcase the for people to know about different cul- “A Model for other Institutions” Dr Y S Shivaprasad culture of our land and it is not con- tures that exists in countries and be- Photo: Serene Z fined to just one group of students but cause Bhasha Utsav means a mix of for the entire campus. ethnic cultures it would be great to livea festival that every Christite looks for- with that culture for a day.ward to. It has served as a model for Do you think that the language studiesmany other institutions and will con- is given the importance that it de- What is the status of Kannada lan-tinue to do so. serves by the society at large? guage in our university and what areWhat is your opinion of Bhasha Utsav the elements that you would wish tohaving witnessed it over the years? Language is very important as without add on to that in order to uphold ourThe students of Christ University it a man cannot survive. It is also im- language? portant to understand how to use lan- guage in different contexts be it social If a person wants to show love towards or political. To know the depth of lan- his or her language, it should come guage, it is also necessary to under- from their heart. If we take the exam- stand the culture linked to the ple of Christ University, there are particular language. Culture and lan- many Malayali students who take up guage should go hand in hand. Kannada in their course to study and also score better than Kannada stu- Is there any new element that you dents. This shows their dedication to- would like to add in Bhasha Utsav wards their language which they have 2017? adapted. The main focus is to showcase the Kishan H R “desi” culture or the local culture. Also, that would be our purpose. Every year,Dr. Krishnaswamy, The Head he/she is. exist and progress in a diverse cul- Of the Department of Tamil tural environment. This is best dis- under the Department of Bhasha Utsav is not just a celebra- played by an event like BhashaLanguages, holds a very high re- tion for students alone, but the fac- Utsav, where people of different ulty from every department takes cultures, not only from India but great pride in being a part of the also from around the world, It’s come together to celebrate more than their own, and more impor- a Celebration tantly each other’s unique cultural heritage and diver- Dr. Krishnaswamy celebration. This celebration of sity. Professor Krish- Photo: Varsha Narayanan global and Indian culture has been naswamy also mentioned taking place in the University for that today students are mov-gard for Bhasha Utsav. According the last 12 years without fail. This ing towards a monolingualto him, this is a place for students space gives an opportunity for one culture which is very danger-to know and explore more about to celebrate their culture and tradi- ous, and it is fests like Bhashatheir culture. A culture that de- tion and share it with others as we Utsav that takes these studentsscribes an individual the way get deviated by other cultures flow- back to their roots and helps them ing into ours. This year promises to realise the importance of it. Bhasha Utsav gives every person in Christ be as vibrant and lively as the University an opportunity to learn, previous years and maybe even cherish and educate people in our better. “Bhasha Utsav is a part of community about various cultures our curriculum, as not every- that can be found in our Univer- thing can be covered in our aca- sity. We must take every minute demics. It brings back our Indian detail of our culture; blend it with culture and other traditional cul- our already existing knowledge to tures”. In a University such as enrich it. We also learn to under- Christ, it is important for students stand and tolerate new cultural and teachers alike to be able to co- practices. Serene Zachariah

‘Keeping the Lamp of Margamkali Burning’ Shweta KhuranaIt is a group dance originating from Kerala, practiced by the Saint ThomasChristians who trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas theApostle in the 1st century. This dance was performed by a group of eightgirls, who were dressed in a white, red and golden attire. The song was veryrelaxing, while the dance was equally energetic, and mainly revolvedaround a lamp. Photo: Devyani MadaikTamil Fusion Folk Dance: ‘Naatupura Kalaignargal’The Naatupura Kalaignargal, or the Kolattam. The group portrayed theTamil Folk Artists displayed a variety essence of Tamil folk culture, as old asof dance forms such as Karakattam, the Dravidian languages themselves.performed in praise of the rain goddess The dance performed was just asMariamman; Oyilattam, ‘Oyil’ means colourful as the attire worn by thebeauty, hence the dance of beauty and dancers.‘Nritya Govindam’ Kannada Fusion: ‘Nritya Govindam’ This group dance records the folk culture of Karnataka. The students danced on the songs ‘Gallu- Gallenuta’ which talks about Lord Krishna. It’s sung during the marriage functions to cherish the moment. The next song ‘Mayadantha Male’ talks about the season of rain. It represents a farmer’s hap- piness during monsoons. Their third choice of song ‘Chelidaru Malligeya’ is devoted to Lord Shiva. The group consisted of fourteen dancers, twelve girls and two boys, one of them dressed as Lord Krishna.

VOICE OF CHRISTITESEthnic Day, also known as Bhasha an amalgamation of fascinating, funUtsav, is the cultural extravaganza filled, elegant and vibrant culturescelebrating diversity, understanding that come together to create an at-the languages and people from across mosphere of vitality and verve. It isthe world by the Department of Lan- the biggest event in the life of everyguages. It is a massive event which is student of Christ University.

Christ University witness blend of culture forBasha Utsav Inaugural of Bhasha Utsav Photo: Selvin KasprovBhasha Utsav, the festival of culture dances, Christ University reflected the wear sarees of our own culture.” different ethnicities from India as well Harshita Choudhary from Block 1 whoand ethnicity was organized by the De- as abroad. The procession included is pursuing Professional Studies says, professional troops who were divided “I’m from Rajasthan and todaypartment of language at Christ Univer- in groups and were standing in front seemed the best day to display my tra- of Block 1,2 and 4. Block 4 witnessed dition and culture to people. The envi-sity, Bangalore. The procession which Dollu Kunitha, which is a traditional ronment here today is pumping us up performance of Karnataka. It includes for the day.” Block 2 gathered withstarted from 8:45 am from Block 4 and a popular drum dance, which involves their troops who performed Nayandi a spectacular variety and complexity of Melam, which is an art of storytellingwent till the Auditorium block in- skills. It has a touch of both entertain- through their music. Bhumika Gowda ment and spirituality. Shruti Giridhar, said, “Even though I belong to Kar-cluded performances like a second-year student of BCZ Depart- nataka and been staying here, it’s not ment said, “I’m so excited for the pro- everyday you get to wear your culture’sNadeswaram, Nayandi Melam and cession to start. Every year I look saree or even talk about your ethnic- forward to this day where we get to ity.”Dollu Kunitha by professionals. Theprocession was headed by the troops,the Vice Chancellor, Col. Dr. Fr.Thomas C Mathew, the faculty, thecouncil member and then the stu-dents.With the colorful costumes and Wild Beats Photo: Mriganko Basu

The procession gathered in front of student who hails from Thailand said, dents enjoyed the procession and wereBlock I and performed Nadeswaram, “I love wearing Indian clothes. I feel headed to the Auditorium for morewhich is native to Tamil Nadu. The Bhasha Utsav is the only day when performances. The procession endedtroop consisted of five people who people from countries besides India at 9 am in front of the Auditoriumwere wearing white vest and were also show their ethnic dress and blend block.playing Nadeswaram which looks like into the Indian culture.Shehnai. Akhmad Salimi, a first year The whole university danced to thestudent from Afghanistan said, “It’s The counselor of Christ University beats of all the three culture troops.such a new thing to see different peo- who was a part of the procession said, Christ University with its motto forple with different culture. Each one is “It’s my first time in Christ University, Bhasha Utsav, celebrated diversity andrepresenting their own state or coun- and I’m seeing such a huge procession languages.try.” Nontouch, a second year BHM in a university. I’m looking forward to what more is there in store”. The stu- Ria Majumder Walk of the Royals Photo: Selvin KasprovThe Grand Procession Photo: Selvin Kasprov

Delve into the Ethnicity at Christ UniversityWe at Christ University believe that Dollu Kunitha is a major form of art ment and spiritual edification.culture is a condition of being edu- occupying the pride of place amongcated or cultivated. It’s an idea and folk dances of Karnataka. Accompa- The ethnic day was graced by Lingaiahphilosophy of a specific society at a nied by drum beats, it provides both and Troupe from Mandya performingspecific time. In fact, culture is formed spectacular variety and complexity of Dollu Kunitha at Block IV with Stu-out of the ethics and moral values that skills in the process of demonstration. dent Council Members from Block IIIcontrol a society. While culture is the Woven around the presiding deity of & IV and I year students of Block IVresult of several factors like social, re- Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara, taking part with responsibility and ex-ligious beliefs, customs, traditions etc, chiefly worshipped by the Kuruba citement all throughout.it is important that we cultivate our Gowdas of Karnataka and Andhraculture with rich and positive Pradesh, it presents both entertain-thoughts. Dollu Kunitha in PerformanceEthnic Day celebrated at Christ Uni-versity saw innumerable responses Photo: Selvin Kasperovat the beginning of the day. The pro-cession was bustling with peoplefrom varied cultures in their tradi-tional attire. The Cultural Perform-ances Troupes in the processionwere undoubtedly beyond compar-ison. At Christ University, we aim toinculcate the traditions on this dayby means of traditional perform-ances such as Dollu Kunitha,Naiyandi Melam and Chenda / Sin-gari Melam. An Ethinic drive in March Photo: Selvin Kasperov“Ethnic Day celebrated at Christ University saw innumerable responses...”

Naiyandi Melam is anarrative techniquethat strongly uses themethod of storytelling.The realism portrayedin the performance isvery different from therealism we are famil-iar with in the main-stream theatre.Depiction of the Reality with Naiyandi Melam Photo Credit: Selvin KasperovIt was performed with refined depic- The Chenda is used widely in the state Kannyar Kali besides Yakshaganation of the reality with the people from of Kerala, India. It is also used in some which is popular in Karnataka. IndiaKrishnagiri by Yuvraj and Troupe. parts of Karnataka where it is called has always been considered a cultur-The faculty and the students from the chende. It is mainly played as an ally rich country in the world becauseBlock II proceeded to enhance the cul- accompaniment in the Hindu religious of its unity and diversity. India hastural authenticity of the storytelling art forms of Kerala. several states with diverse food habits,Tune into the beats with Ethnicity traditions, beliefs, social customs, attire, language, and festivals. We Photo Credit: Mriganko Basu can call this Ethnic Day as the “Culmination of Cultures: Know-session. The performance of Chenda by ing Languages, Celebrating Diver- Cheruthazhan and Troupe from Mat- sity”. The fabric of Indian cultureMeanwhile, what caught our attention tanur showed its divinity by using the is woven with customs and tradi-was a cylindrical percussion instru- traditional instrument as an accompa- tion. Traditional and customaryment being played in the procession niment for Kathakali, Koodiyattam, practices are an important part ofknown as Chenda / Singari Melam. Indian culture. Tradition being an approach followed over the years has been handed down from gen- eration to generation, ensuring that it leads to a high degree of spirituality and honour. So tradi- tion, if followed in the right per- spective can never be a hindrance to progress unless orthodoxy creeps in and a person is shackled with obstinacy. Bhavana Rathi “Ethnic Day: Making life a Celebration”“The most profound aspects of life are approached in a celebratory way, so that you don’t miss the point”

Bhasha Utsav:A First Year Perspective Middle East to Christ….Friendship and beyond Photo: Debayan SinhaHere is what Aditya, Aaron, Hari, portunity to experience the diver- Mangal are few first year studentsSandra, Ayarin and Lorene had to sity and culture of the whole India. who are experiencing and having asay about their first ever Bhasha As far as I have observed, I could gala time. “I feel thrilled to come toUtsav! find different kinds of dresses college. I feel very proud and ex-“The Ethnic Day of Christ univer- worn by each people which further cited to attend this event,” saidsity is colourful. Guess what, we represents the culture and diver- Shriyanshi. Shubika said “It's won-were not allowed to wear such tra- sity of India, this way each person derful to see people in their tradi-ditional clothes back in Gulf’’ said can represent their own culture as tional attire. I hardly get a chanceSandra. ‘We are NRI students’ said each state of India has its own cul- to wear my traditional dress. ButAaron ‘and feel proud that we ture, dress, language and food when I heard about Bhasha Utsav,could wear our own traditional habits. It also gives them a confi- I literally couldn't sleep last night.clothes and attend this occasion, dence. Apart from all these, this I kept choosing which dress towe got a gist of this programme occasion has also become an op- wear”.from a promo video we watched portunity for them to be free and Debayan Sinha & Shreedasfew days ago, We are enjoying the interact more with everyone. Muthuthodiyilvast diversity in India through this “Hey, let's go dance”, said Anitha,occasion’ a first year MBA student. Esther,The very enthusiastic Hari said, Anitha, Shriyanshi, Shubika and‘This occasion has been a good op-

“I can’t believe this is my last Bhasha quite a sight when you see the various days.” On regular college days, the girls don’t get to wear sarees and theUtsav,” said Lisa Susan Abraham, a cultures blending and everyone enjoy- boys wear formals and that’s whatstudent of final year Media Studies. ing to their fullest. So many students Lisa Abraham in her ethnic Kerala attire Photo:Angira TewariAfter attending this event for four portraying so much vibrancy is re- makes it special for them as they get toyears in Christ University, she looks ally an absolute delight. dress up and spread knowledge about their culture. “I remember talking toback and recalls the best of memories “Bhasha Utsav will leave an im- my friend when I was in the first yearabout this eventful and fun day. On print on my mind filled with fond that we have only two more memories that I will ethnic days left to celebrate, and here we are celebratingOne never be able to forget. the last ethnic day.” Wear- I am sure no matter ing a kurta gives him im- where I go the memo- mense joy as it represents ries of successfully car- his love for the colour or- ange. “Ethnic Day is oneLast Time rying off a saree for day where I get to enjoy the more than five hours most in college. It is so will keep me moti- much fun to listen to music vated,” said Lisa as she and dance to various tunes. I also enjoy the programme rushed to in the main auditorium where various dance formsasking about her experience, she said, join her friends who seemed to be from different cultures are“I have always looked forward to this dancing and the noise added to displayed with so muchday. This is the day where we wear their excitement which they made perfection.”ethnic clothes which connects us to full use of. Talking about what he isour home.” Ethnic Day has always going to miss the mostbeen special in Christ University as “Wait, is this my last Bhasha about Bhasha Utsav, heyou can see the diversity at every step Utsav?” exclaimed Surya, a final said, “My juniors are soyou take. Students gear up all their en- year student of BBA. Bhasha Utsav lucky that they have moreergy to dance. Meeting friends and or Ethnic Day is not just about Ethnic Days to celebrate. Isauntering the campus to take part in wearing ethnic clothes. It carries am going to miss dancing tothe events gives each one so much joy. with it a lot of emotions. On this DJ Rajan’s music very“Clicking pictures and taking day, one gets to know about the much.” Ethnic Day is al-Boomerangs is the one thing that I am various cultures that one is sur- ways going to be special forso excited to do,” said Lisa. Beautiful rounded with. “I have had the best every Christite as it makes them proudsarees and traditional outfits lift every- memories on Ethnic Day. My friends to be part of such a diverse institution.one’s spirits up. and I look forward to the dance ses- sion” said Surya. Ethnicity can be dis- Meghna PrasadBlooming in Orange! Photo:Angira Tewari“I can’t wait to dance to DJ Rajan’s played by the simplest of attires. Justmusic! It gives me a thrill to dance for a saree with a bindi displays the cul-2 hours straight and not feel tired”. ture of the place that the person isWalking around the campus, one will from. “As boys, we can’t do muchwitness how friends are there for each other than wearing a kurta or aother; be it holding each others’ purse dhoti,but it is a welcome change fromor adjusting sarees and mundu. It is the formals that we wear on regular

The Limited Edition Why should boys have all the fun?When the entire Christ University chose to Photo: Aishwarya Mohanandepict their cultures and traditions, wefound a few who went “hatke” by tryingsomething new and being different fromthe entire crowd. They chose to try a differ-ent approach to celebrating ethnicity bybeing super innovative with what theywore! Here are some of the Christites whovolunteered to be the ‘limited editions’ ofthis Bhasha Utsav 2017.Shwetha Khurana from the Department ofMedia Studies took it a notch higher bypairing her multi-coloured vibrant sareewith a full length silk blouse and a sparklytie to suit her saree.We also spotted two Christites who weredressed as Arabs! They wore a silky greyrobe, called thoub, which is the main itemof clothing for Arab men and wore it witha pair of loose fitting trousers called sirwal.These boys went one step further and alsowore a headband, giving a vibe of theWe came across Bliss and Olive in com-plete Bohemian attire, with a chic-sassylook as they paired their attire with lovelyethnic looking accessories.The Dubai Brothers The Bohemian Days Photo: Nirmal Photo: Aishwarya Mohanan

We spotted Kajol, a 3rd year Theatre with a typical Kanchipuram silk thought through to look different instudent who made a mark with her saree and ethnic Tanjore dance jew- the mad havoc of vibrantsuper comfy pair of patialas, crop top ellery to compliment her looks. She colours.They did add some seriousand a dupatta paired with a match- said, “I like to wear western clothes glam to the day while being contem-ing necklace. She stated that wearing because wearing saree isn’t my cup porary and stylish at the same time.a saree is uncomfortable and her cos- of tea. This year being my last year in We can indeed say that Bhashatume gives her the right leverage to college, I wanted to try something Utsav was complete with the ‘Lim-walk and dance around and enjoy really different”. She looked elegant ited Editions’ amidst the ordinary.the mood of ethnic day ! and funky at the same time. KrishnenduMeanwhile, Shradha Raj from final It was total fun to watch the “Stand-year TEP chose a denim shirt paired outs” who actually took effort and The Dancer The Denim SareePhoto: Aishwarya Photo: Nirmal ...did add some serious glam to the day while being contemporary and stylish at the same time.We can indeed say that Bhasha Utsav was complete with the Limited Editions amidst the ordinary.

India being a multi-cultural Utsav, where everyoneland, has been called “as a dresses up in their tradi-tower of veritable lan- tional dress. Seeing this, weguages” or a “museum of decided to learn the differ-languages”. In 1950, the ent cultures and languagesstates in India were reorgan- of the students of Christized on linguistic basis. As a University by asking them toresult, the domiciles of a write something in theirparticular state speak a par- own language.ticular language. Seeing the people in theirChrist University, a campus ethnic attire and writing infilled with more than 18,000 their mother tongue madestudents coming from differ- them remember their home.ent cities globally represent Starting from Bengali, Tamiltheir own differed culture. and Malayalam, people fromThe Department of Lan- foreign countries like Chad,guages has provided a plat- Korea and Thailand wroteform to unite all of them and in the script of their lan-bring one’s culture close to guage and took part inthem by organising Bhasha Bhasha Utsav.WITH COMPLIMENTS,BHASHA UTSAV

Bhasha Utsav: Getting the world together at Christ University A Melting Pot of CulturesPicture credits : Atlanta MahantaIt is rightly said that the beauty of the cultural union is full of fun events and saw an amalgamation of ethnicity asworld lies in the diversity of its people.Bhasha Utsav at Christ University has performances but something that adds the students from abroad came inbecome a very significant day whichtruly reflects the diversity of the vari- to the day is the way one can spot a lot their different ethnic wears to cele-ous cultures embraced by its students, of students from different parts of the brate Bhasha Utsav in the campus. Abdelkerim &Cherif hassan Picture Credits : Atlanta Mahanta world taking part extensively in the Not only was there a sense of diversity,who gracefully bring out the best in celebrations. This year on campus, nu- but also a display of laughter, joy andtheir culture. Bhasha Utsav at ChristUniversity has great importance; this merous students from countries unity. like Nepal, Thailand, Europe, “I come to India every year, and I am China, Kenya, Sweden, proud to wear the Netherlands, Turkey, ethnic wear of South Korea and Chad Karnataka that I were present. am wearing now”, Their day began with said a Christite the struggle of draping from the United the saree right, putting States of America. those pins all over and As the crowd getting into the tradi- moved on in the tional kurta. procession, it was The European students Shubhanshu were spotted wearing Ko Beomgyeong Chachan from the South Indian tradi- Picture Credits : Atlanta Nepal, who stood tional dhotis (also out wearing a called Lungi, Mundu or Dhaka Topi, Veshti) making their which signifies the way through the crowd mountains of comfortably. Be it understand- Nepal. There were students from Ivory ing the traditions or helping our Coast who showed their pride in their guests from overseas getting ethnicity. Supamad Poompoung, a dressed the Indian students student of BBA, wore a ceremonial took full initiative of it and got Kabolangingo embroidered in silk them moving for the day. The cream thread and sky blue colour, celebrations began by the Chi- which showed the spirit of their na- nese, Middle Eastern and Euro- tion. Bhasha Utsav, 2017 was chock-a- pean students along with other block with students who could be students leading the procession spotted in their respective traditional from Block two and four. and ethnic clothes. Many of them were learning the In- Meher Kalra and Atlanta Mahanta dian ‘thumkas’ on the spot and enjoy- ing it to the fullest. Christ University

A RIOT OF COLOURSA Kenyan by birth, but an Indian at heart, awestruck by the cultural diversity that What was your favoriteSatyarth has been born and brought up in India has to offer. Here are some ex- part of Bhasha Utsav 2017?Kenya, but his heart lies in India. Having cerpts.grown up in Kenya, Satyarth was My favorite part of Bhasha Yash Kariwal Utsav was the cultural parade that was conducted within the Tell us something about your native campus. It was mesmerizing to traditions. see so many colorful and vi- brant people congregated at In Kenya, we celebrate the day of our free- one place. I am definitely look- dom fighters, we celebrate the day our ing forward to next year’s country got Independence and Labor Day Bhasha Utsav! as well. We also celebrate Indian festivals but the aforementioned ones are the im- How has India impacted portant national ones. The traditional at- you with its cultural diver- tire mainly is local cloth made by the sity? Masai tribe. India, and Bengaluru in partic- What, according to you, is unique ular, is a melting pot of differ- about Bhasha Utsav? ent cultures and I see people from all walks of life around Bhasha Utsav encompasses India and all its me. I see people of various cul- different cultures. The Christ campus had tures, ethnicities, people who turned into a cultural playground with all of look different, people who India’s diverse ethnicities and cultures con- speak differently. It is a very vi- verging together and it is the first time I brant country. have seen so many cultures coming to- gether. A cultural extravaganza What are your thoughts on Bhasha Utsav?Picture Credits: Abhirami Prem Bhasha Utsav is a very amazing and interesting experience because I get to meet people from different cultures. There are so many colors to be seen around me and it is a fulfilling experience to see the cultural diversity of India.THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE...Struck by wonder-ment,”, is what Yi so many cultural elements that have different from the next and you haveHaohan had to say about Bhasha been lost. We want to pick up these el- lots of different clothes. When I wentUtsav 2017. Hailing from South China ements and incorporate them in our to buy my traditional clothes, I saw aand pursuing his BBA here, Yi was im- daily lives but it is very hard. For ex- huge array of different types of clothespressed by the colors and vibrance of ample, the art of making our tradi- kept and I was spoilt for choice. AlsoBhasha Utsav and thoroughly enjoyed tional clothes like Tang suit, the Qipao the various types of food that India hasmingling with the various cultures. (cheongsam) and the Zhongshan suit is awesome. So many flavors packed has been lost and no one knows how together. I just want to say that the slo-What are your thoughts on Bhasha to make them anymore. It is also very gan Incredible India does stand trueUtsav? complicated to wear them. Our tradi- for this country. It has been awesome!Bhasha Utsav is a very refresh- tional festivals like What according to you is uniqueing experience for me. It is New Year, Dragon about Bhasha Utsav?great to see so many Christites Boat Race, Reddressing up in their traditional Lantern Festival are Bhasha Utsav is one most the mostattires and proudly showing fun but we do not magnificent events celebrated inthem off. It is nice to represent wear traditional Christ University. A lot of effort hasmy country, but it is also inter- clothes in these festi- been put in by both the faculty and theesting to find out about other vals anymore. students performing various regionalcultures. and folk dance troupes all over the How has India im- university premise.The folk dancesTell us something about your pacted you with its were extremely graceful to look at andnative traditions. cultural diversity? it represented the various cultures very efficiently for all those who knewChina has a very deep cultural I have experienced a little about it. This is the best thinghistory, but several aspects of lot of various tradi- about Bhasha Utsav.the traditions have dissolved tions and indigenousbecause of a major revolution cultures here in Yash Kariwalin the modern times. There are India. Each person is

Tête-à-tête with Teachers Bhasha Utsav is the much awaited and the most talked about event. The teachers from various departments share their experiences and stories about Bhasha Utsav. “Bhasha Utsav is a colourful and vibrant festival” Mr. Manoharan is from the School of Law .When asked to comment on Bhasha Utsav, he said the festival is very colourful where all the students dress up in ethnic wear. He also feels that this event brings about unity among people in our college. He also mentions that Christ University looks like mini India that day. He mentions about his fond memories of the Bhasha Utsav, where he says that some children fall down as they are not able to carry themselves in their Ethnic wear and it's a learning experience for them. He also wishes to see Bhasha Utsav twice a year. Mr.ManmohanPicture credits: Devika Bakshi Christ University has a unique culture - Anurag TripathiMr. Anurag Tripathi is from the department of International Studies . BhashaUtsav is different from other fests and events. According to him, Christ Uni-versity has an unique culture, as it showcases unity and diversity existing inour college. The campus appears colourful with students wearing ethnic wearthat showcases their culture. His fondest memory was his first Bhasha Utsav,three years ago; when he witnessed the event, he fell in love with it and looksforward for this event every year.“Christ University is a cosmopolitan university” Paul Mr.Anurag Tripathi Picture credits: Shriya Nair is a good day for all the faculty and students. The students are free to wear the clothes that depict their culture. During this day, the students are free to interact with students of other de- partments and other ethnicities. Christ is a cosmopolitan uni- versity which allows students from different regions to dress up according to their culture and custom. His fondest memory was his first Bhasha Utsav as the event was very special for him.Mr.Joshy Paul, Department of History Picture credits: Shriya Nair “It is a Reflection of mini India” Mr.Venugopal Picture credits: ChiranjeevHe says that Bhasha Utsav represents India in all its glory. This isone day where you can be true to yourself and your culture. It re-flects mini India and showcases unity and diversity in India. Hisfondest memory is that every year he gets an opportunity to repre-sent his culture.On this day he sheds his casual wear and adorns a traditionalattire.According to him, the campus looks very colourful.

We can call Bhasha Utsav as the Christmas of Christ UniversityProfessor Dr. Vijay Madhavan R from the Department of Mr.Vijay MadhavanPerforming Arts said that the main message of the celebra- Picture credits: Chiranjeevtion is to respect one’s own tradition and recognise the cul-ture of others. A large gathering of people from alldepartments assemble at one place to celebrate the event.The student community celebrates this day by rejuvenatingtheir traditional apparels as they want to present their bestand brings up a lot of festivities.We can call Bhasha Utsav as the Christmas of Christ Uni-versity as the entire campus is very lively, therefore it is thebest day to be marked on the Christ calendar. It helps himto unlearn and relearn a lot of things about the diversity ofIndia. He loves seeing all the students in their “bubblymode.”University is making a major contribution in the overall development of the students This is Professor Jayanti sity is making a major contri- Agarwal’s first year at Christ bution in the overall develop- University and she is from the ment of the students with the Department of Commerce. exposure that they receive. She is versed with the hype She is excited to witness the about Bhasha Utsav and is re- parade and the various dance ally looking forward to the ex- performances. Though she perience. couldn’t make any real com- ment, she believes that she She thinks it is an essential re- will be taking home an abun- dance of memories from the laxation for students and they vibrant festival. get to understand the diver- sity that they are fortunate to Ms Jayanthi Agarwal be part of. She be-Picture credits: Chiranjeev lieves that the univer- Understanding languages and celebrating diversity is extremely importantProfessor Sumita is from the School of Education. She feels that under-standing languages and celebrating diversity is extremely important.This major festival of the Department of Languages gives a platform tothe students to showcase their distinct culture and art forms which theyperform throughout the campus. This is indeed a very splendid extrav-aganza which no student should miss. She always looks forward to be apart of Bhasha Utsav Ms Sumita Picture credits: DevikaShriya Nair, Sonali Maini & Devika Bakshi

Fashion : an instant languageAvibrant day, full of colours, of clothing are quite labor intensive themselves by adorning some jewelry Christ University was filled with and require a lot of attention to detail. pieces arose in people. In India, jew- people of different cultures and As every state in India is geographi- elry has not only traditional and aes-languages coming together. From cally different from the other, this has thetic value, but is also considered asBengalis to Malayalis, Christ Univer- given rise to varied kinds of dresses a source of security in times of finan-sity was booming with culture from and styles. cial crisis.The beauty of Indian jewelryacross the country. Many individuals lies in the uniqueness of its design andfrom countries such as Afghanistan The Clothing style and pattern is dif- the efforts of the workmanship in-and Nepal were representing their ferent from culture to culture. From volved in creating the intricate de-country in this Campus. the traditional saree worn by women signs. from Kerala, to the traditional head-India is known for its diversity, and gear worn by Sikh men, Christ Univer- Women were seen flaunting tradi-ethnic clothing is just one of the things sity was vibrant with all these different tional earrings, nose rings, and neckthat distinguish India from the rest of colours. pieces with head gears which com-the world. The traditional Indian attire pleted the genuine ethnic look.has earned admirers from people from The historical background of Indianall over the world. The craftsmanship jewelry takes us back to the history ofwith which artisans create traditional the country itself as both are almostdresses is really incredible. All forms equally old. It was around 5000 years ago when the curiosity to beautify Mohammed says “This is an Afghani outfit which is especially made for wed- dings and other functions. IT is made of cotton and is handmade. It takes around 4 months and cost around 12000 rupees to make it.” Utanshi says “This is actually called a Mohammed maang tika and the reason we wear them Picture Credits : Anirudh is because we generally believe that no part of woman should be without jew- elry, which is why we wear bangles, an- klets and that’s how they came up with this. At one point of time people used to wear it every day but now it’s just a fes- tive thing.” Utanshi.Picture Credits : Apeskha

Clothing and Jewellery



THE TEAM Faculty in charge: Fr Biju K Chacko Chief Editor: William Assistant Editors: Akshita | Sonia Chief Designers: Sruthi R. Assistant Designers: Karthik | Varun Photo Specialist: Arivuselvan Reporters Harmeet | Neha | Anirudh |Karishma |Apeksha | Sweta R.Kishan | Varsha |Debayan | Shreedas | Meghna |Krishnendu Nirmal |Shweta K. |Feba |Angeline |Liz |Ria |Bhavana Mehar |Atlanta |Yash |Shriya |Sonali |Devika |Chiranjeev Photographers Nikhil | Aman | Anirudh | Apeksha | Serene | Debayan Angira | Avinash | Aishwarya | Devyani Angela | Nithin | Nileena | Selvin | Mriganko Abhirami | Atlanta | Shriya | Devika | Chiranjeev MA in Media and Communication Studies Department of Media Studies Christ University Bengaluru September 2017