India 06 August 2016: In an attempt to promote diverse Indian cultural values and ingratiate students with the multifarious ethnic traditions of India, the Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) department of Vivekanand Education College’s Arts, Science and Commerce College organizes the Raaga cultural festival annually. The theme of the festival this year, held on August 6, was ‘Gaurav Mayibhumicha’, extolling the rich customs and performing art forms of Maharashtra.
“We have been organizing this event for the last 13-14 years and this is a unique attempt to preserve Indian culture. The festival revolves a different cultural theme every year. The aim of this festival is to revive and sustain the diverse mosaic that is Indian culture. This also gives a platform to the budding dramatist, singer and musician in every performing student to display his/her talents,” said Prof. Dr (Mrs) Shikha Dutta, HOD, B.M.M Department of V.E.S College of Arts, Science and Commerce.
More than 18 students participated in the festival, which also received an overwhelming response from ex-students and Rotary members of the college. The students showcased their artistic flair by performing in several dance, drama and music ensemble programs. While one drama depicted the life and times of Shivaji Maharaj, a highly revered historical figure from Maharashtra, another drama where the central character Salim comes from a village to a city for better prospects, stressed on the importance of national integration and a united existence bereft of class and caste affiliations.
Apart from a dramatised presentation of the Ganesh festival, the program itinerary comprised, jogwa, Gondhal and Lavni, a traditional Marathi prayer and Koli dance. The highlight of the program was a Mime performance which threw light on the tragic conditions of the farmer community which is committing in large numbers.