Man Bhavan
Youth Festival 2023
Usually, Through my blogs I focus on academic stuff, but today, I'm switching gears. This post is all about reliving the awesome moments from the four-day youth festival. Dr. Dilip Barad asked us to share our thoughts on the festival, so here I am, putting my thoughts down, talking about what went down and how it all felt during the Youth Festival 2023.
This blog is based on the Highlights of Youth Festival 2023."Get ready to dive into the vibrant tapestry of the Youth Festival 2023, a celebration hosted by the illustrious Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University from the 2nd to the 5th of September. Join me on a journey through my personal encounter with this exhilarating event while unraveling the diverse array of activities and experiences it had to offer."
In the dynamic realm of cultural celebrations, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University proudly presented the 31st edition of its Youth Festival, christened "Manbhavan Yuvak Mahotsav." Spanning from November 3rd to 5th, 2023, this year's extravaganza unfolded under the enthusiastic guidance of the Physical Education Department, adding an invigorating twist to the festivities.
This youth festival is all about cheering on the awesome talents, creativity, and energy of young people. Picture this: there's music that'll make your heart sing, cool art displays, exciting sports face-offs, and fantastic cultural performances. These events are like a big stage where young folks can show who they are, make new friends, and build a strong community vibe. Being part of the planning and joining in these festivals is like a super fun way to grow personally, pick up new skills, and make sure that lively youth culture keeps on thriving.
These is how we worked according schedule...
We celebrated the power of women through the theme "Nari Shakti Vandana," inspired by a recent bill in Parliament, this festival put the spotlight on women from all walks of life. It was amazing to see more than 1,000 students taking part, and what’s even more awesome is that around 700 of them were girls! This really showed the strength and spirit behind Nari Shakti Vandana.
The festival had 32 different competitions grouped into five sections: Literature, Music, Fine Arts, Dance, and Theatre. Each section had its own special name:
- "मनभावन शब्दम" - English Department
- "मनभवन स्वरम" - New Court Hall
- "मनभावन नृत्यम" - Amphi Theatre
- "मनभावन रंगमच" - External Department
- "मनभावन नाट्यम" - Atal Auditorium
"Kala Yatra"
The first day of the festival, called "Kala Yatra" on November 2nd, was our chance to shine. Our English Department group went with the theme "Oppression to Freedom." Other groups had their themes too, like Chandrayaan-3, celebrating space exploration, and Narishakti Vandana, honoring powerful women.
Each theme told a story: Chandrayaan-3 showed India's space journey and how women were part of it, celebrating our heritage and scientific progress. Narishakti Vandana highlighted goddess worship and the strength of women. Another theme focused on historical women's contributions, and ours delved into women's evolution from traditional roles to modern success stories.
Our display depicted struggles like child marriage, women's work challenges, and the unseen efforts of mothers and wives. But it also celebrated women breaking barriers in business, law, sports, and more. Taking part in Kala yatra was an amazing learning experience. We worked hard on themes, costumes, acting, and more. Thanks to our mentor, Miss Alpa Ponda, for guiding us it was a success because of her support.
* Video references of "Kala yatra":-
* Images references of "Kala yatra":-
Opening / Inauguration of "Youth Festival"
On November 3rd, a fantastic event unfolded with some special guests: M.M. Trivedi, Sagardan Gadhvi, Hetal Mehta, Ami Upadhyay, and Bhartiben Shiyal. Two students did a great job hosting, making the whole thing lively. Sagardan Gadhvi sang beautifully, adding a musical touch to the day. The Kalapath Group performed a Stuti based on Narivandana, singing heartfelt songs like "Jay Jay Jag Janni Devi" and "Aygiri Nandini." It was so captivating! The guests talked about the National Education Policy 2020, stressing how it helps students grow in all aspects. Their talks made the event really informative and enjoyable.
"मनभावन शब्दम" - English Department
I got to be part of something amazing – a poetry competition at the English Department. It was like diving into a world of creativity, hearing all these new poets share their unique works. What made it even cooler was having three super cool judges: Parul Khakhar, Snehi Parmar, and Ketan Kanpariya. These guys are like literary superheroes, creating awesome stuff with their words.
Having them as judges made the competition feel special. They know their way around words, and their experience added a touch of magic to the whole event. Parul Khakhar, Snehi Parmar, and Ketan Kanpariya, all fantastic writers, brought a ton of knowledge and love for literature to the judging table. Their keen eyes for good writing helped recognize and celebrate the talents of the emerging poets.
Imagine, poets just starting out got to be seen and appreciated by these literary giants. It wasn't just a competition; it was a chance for our wordsmiths to be recognized by people who've already made their mark in the writing world. My senior Upasana from the Department took part, making it even more awesome!
* Essay Competition:-
Participants were presented with a variety of essay topics, and among those who stepped up to the challenge from our department was Insiya. The diverse array of topics included:
1. India's Space Odyssey: An exploration into the fascinating journey of India's space endeavors, delving into achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.
2. From the Kitchen to Cabinet - Women, Don't Give Up:A compelling reflection on the evolving roles of women, emphasizing resilience and determination in breaking barriers from domestic spaces to leadership roles.
3. Are Wars Inevitable?:A thoughtful examination of the factors contributing to conflicts, pondering the possibility of avoiding wars and seeking alternatives for peaceful resolutions.
4. The Importance of Value-Based Education: An insightful exploration of the integral role that values play in education, considering their impact on personal development and societal well-being.
5. Plastic Pollution - Problems & Resolution:A comprehensive analysis of the challenges posed by plastic pollution, accompanied by potential resolutions and the collective responsibility to address this environmental issue.
* Here are some quick highlights from the quiz competition:
"मनभवन स्वरम" - New Court Hall
They sang these beautiful bhajans like "એકલા આવ્યા મનવા, એકલા જવાના" and "વીજળીને ચમકારે મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ," touching on themes like being alone, searching spiritually, love, and finding oneself. These bhajans, with their deep messages, connect with the cultural richness of the Gujarati language, especially expressions like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ," giving a local feel to the spiritual story.
In English literature, we often look at the essence, style, and literary tricks used in a piece. Bhajans, like poems or stories in English literature, talk about things everyone can relate to. For example, the bhajans about solitude are like Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," where the focus is on thinking deeply.
Using Gujarati words like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ" not only adds a cultural touch but also shows how English literature has its own cultural references. Every language and culture bring their special twists to storytelling. In the big picture of literature, whether it's in bhajans or English works, the exploration of personal journeys and deep thinking is a common theme, showing the things we all go through as humans.
"मनभावन नृत्यम" - Amphi Theatre
The folk dances were incredible! Everyone showcased our diverse culture through dances like Adivasi Ras, Mishra Ras, Prachin Garbo, Arvachin Garbo, Tippni, Hudo, Timli, and many more. Doing these dances takes a ton of energy, and they looked stunning in their traditional outfits. The music was lively, and the whole group sang along, adding to the excitement. Folk dance is always the best part of the youth festival, making it super fun for everyone.
Classical dance is another beauty that reflects our culture. The dancers wear specific clothes, and their facial expressions are really important. Watching these performances was like seeing our culture come alive—it was mesmerizing!
We celebrated the power of women through the theme "Nari Shakti Vandana," inspired by a recent bill in Parliament, this festival put the spotlight on women from all walks of life. It was amazing to see more than 1,000 students taking part, and what’s even more awesome is that around 700 of them were girls! This really showed the strength and spirit behind Nari Shakti Vandana.
The festival had 32 different competitions grouped into five sections: Literature, Music, Fine Arts, Dance, and Theatre. Each section had its own special name:
- "मनभावन शब्दम" - English Department
- "मनभवन स्वरम" - New Court Hall
- "मनभावन नृत्यम" - Amphi Theatre
- "मनभावन रंगमच" - External Department
- "मनभावन नाट्यम" - Atal Auditorium
"Kala Yatra"
The first day of the festival, called "Kala Yatra" on November 2nd, was our chance to shine. Our English Department group went with the theme "Oppression to Freedom." Other groups had their themes too, like Chandrayaan-3, celebrating space exploration, and Narishakti Vandana, honoring powerful women.
Each theme told a story: Chandrayaan-3 showed India's space journey and how women were part of it, celebrating our heritage and scientific progress. Narishakti Vandana highlighted goddess worship and the strength of women. Another theme focused on historical women's contributions, and ours delved into women's evolution from traditional roles to modern success stories.
Our display depicted struggles like child marriage, women's work challenges, and the unseen efforts of mothers and wives. But it also celebrated women breaking barriers in business, law, sports, and more. Taking part in Kala yatra was an amazing learning experience. We worked hard on themes, costumes, acting, and more. Thanks to our mentor, Miss Alpa Ponda, for guiding us it was a success because of her support.
* Video references of "Kala yatra":-
* Images references of "Kala yatra":-
Opening / Inauguration of "Youth Festival"
On November 3rd, a fantastic event unfolded with some special guests: M.M. Trivedi, Sagardan Gadhvi, Hetal Mehta, Ami Upadhyay, and Bhartiben Shiyal. Two students did a great job hosting, making the whole thing lively. Sagardan Gadhvi sang beautifully, adding a musical touch to the day. The Kalapath Group performed a Stuti based on Narivandana, singing heartfelt songs like "Jay Jay Jag Janni Devi" and "Aygiri Nandini." It was so captivating! The guests talked about the National Education Policy 2020, stressing how it helps students grow in all aspects. Their talks made the event really informative and enjoyable.
"मनभावन शब्दम" - English Department
I got to be part of something amazing – a poetry competition at the English Department. It was like diving into a world of creativity, hearing all these new poets share their unique works. What made it even cooler was having three super cool judges: Parul Khakhar, Snehi Parmar, and Ketan Kanpariya. These guys are like literary superheroes, creating awesome stuff with their words.
Having them as judges made the competition feel special. They know their way around words, and their experience added a touch of magic to the whole event. Parul Khakhar, Snehi Parmar, and Ketan Kanpariya, all fantastic writers, brought a ton of knowledge and love for literature to the judging table. Their keen eyes for good writing helped recognize and celebrate the talents of the emerging poets.
Imagine, poets just starting out got to be seen and appreciated by these literary giants. It wasn't just a competition; it was a chance for our wordsmiths to be recognized by people who've already made their mark in the writing world. My senior Upasana from the Department took part, making it even more awesome!
* Essay Competition:-
Participants were presented with a variety of essay topics, and among those who stepped up to the challenge from our department was Insiya. The diverse array of topics included:
1. India's Space Odyssey:
An exploration into the fascinating journey of India's space endeavors, delving into achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.
2. From the Kitchen to Cabinet - Women, Don't Give Up:
A compelling reflection on the evolving roles of women, emphasizing resilience and determination in breaking barriers from domestic spaces to leadership roles.
3. Are Wars Inevitable?:
A thoughtful examination of the factors contributing to conflicts, pondering the possibility of avoiding wars and seeking alternatives for peaceful resolutions.
4. The Importance of Value-Based Education:
An insightful exploration of the integral role that values play in education, considering their impact on personal development and societal well-being.
5. Plastic Pollution - Problems & Resolution:
A comprehensive analysis of the challenges posed by plastic pollution, accompanied by potential resolutions and the collective responsibility to address this environmental issue.
* Here are some quick highlights from the quiz
competition:
"मनभवन स्वरम" - New Court Hall
They sang these beautiful bhajans like "એકલા આવ્યા મનવા, એકલા જવાના" and "વીજળીને ચમકારે મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ," touching on themes like being alone, searching spiritually, love, and finding oneself. These bhajans, with their deep messages, connect with the cultural richness of the Gujarati language, especially expressions like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ," giving a local feel to the spiritual story.
In English literature, we often look at the essence, style, and literary tricks used in a piece. Bhajans, like poems or stories in English literature, talk about things everyone can relate to. For example, the bhajans about solitude are like Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," where the focus is on thinking deeply.
Using Gujarati words like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ" not only adds a cultural touch but also shows how English literature has its own cultural references. Every language and culture bring their special twists to storytelling. In the big picture of literature, whether it's in bhajans or English works, the exploration of personal journeys and deep thinking is a common theme, showing the things we all go through as humans.
"मनभावन नृत्यम" - Amphi Theatre
The folk dances were incredible! Everyone showcased our diverse culture through dances like Adivasi Ras, Mishra Ras, Prachin Garbo, Arvachin Garbo, Tippni, Hudo, Timli, and many more. Doing these dances takes a ton of energy, and they looked stunning in their traditional outfits. The music was lively, and the whole group sang along, adding to the excitement. Folk dance is always the best part of the youth festival, making it super fun for everyone.
Classical dance is another beauty that reflects our culture. The dancers wear specific clothes, and their facial expressions are really important. Watching these performances was like seeing our culture come alive—it was mesmerizing!
"मनभावन रंगमच" - External Department
1) Cartooning:
Cartooning is a unique way of telling stories visually, stepping away from traditional painting. It's a powerful tool for humor, critique, and social commentary. Cartoonists use exaggeration to add satire, making their point of view stand out. This intentional distortion isn't just for laughs; it's a memorable way to convey messages, be it about politics, society, or just for fun.
Cartoons aren't just funny pictures; they're a form of critique, highlighting injustices, inequalities, or absurdities. Whether in editorial cartoons, comic strips, or webcomics, cartoons keep the conversation about contemporary issues alive, entertaining, provoking thought, and contributing to our ongoing dialogue about society.
Dhatri from Semester-1 secured the second rank in this event. The subjects for cartooning included "મોંઘવારી," "ચૂંટણી," and "ગાંધીજી અને જનતા."
2) Poster Making:
Participants created posters on "Vrudhdhoni Seva" (Service to the Elderly), "Pani Bhachavo" (Save Water), and "Kanya Shikshan" (Education for Girls).
3) On the Spot Painting:
Hina from Semester-3 participated in on-the-spot painting with the theme 'ઉત્સવોની ઉજાવણી, નારશક્તિને વંદન (Celebration of Festivity, Salutations to Women Power).'
4) Clay Modelling:
Subjects for clay modeling included "માતૃપ્રેમ," "ગ્રામ્ય જીવન," and "સંગીતકાર."
5) Installation:
In the installation competition, our team from the English Department, Pooja Bhuva, RajeswariBa Rana, and Bhvayata kukadiya, participated. The subjects for our installation were "નારીશક્તિ (Women Power)," "સુરક્ષા," "મજૂર," and "ચિકિત્સા (આયુર્વેદના સંદર્ભમાં)."
"मनभावन नाट्यम" - Atal Auditorium
The Youth Festival showcased different dramatic performances, each telling unique stories.
In one-act plays like "Kashmir Crisis," "Laxmi," and "વાત એક વ્યથાની," they explored harsh realities, societal issues, and reimagined ancient narratives. The plays tackled themes of loss, violence, societal expectations, and shifting perspectives on women's roles.
Skit performances dealt with superstitions, road construction issues, cultural clashes, and cybercrimes, aiming to entertain while shedding light on societal problems.
Mono acting covered diverse topics like gender challenges, poverty, college issues, and poignant personal stories.
Mime performances conveyed stories on diverse themes like women empowerment, outdoor games, India's achievements, and soldier life, all expressed without words.
Applying dramatic literary theories Aristotle's Tragedy, Jonson's Comedy of Humours, Dryden's Play could offer interesting insights into these performances at the festival.
"Closing Ceremony"
The big closing event at the amphitheater was quite a show! We had some impressive guests like Sejalben Pandya from the West Zone Parliament, Niren Bhatt, Dilipsinhji Gohil, and other important EC members. The tension peaked as they announced the top three performers in each event, and the winners were ecstatic, grabbing their medals and certificates. KPES College got the runners-up title, making things even more exciting, while Swami Sahjanand Cluster of Colleges took home the big General Championship trophy.
Here are snapshots featuring everyone from our Department of English: participants, mentors, and all the volunteers who lent their support.
"My thoughts on the event"
Looking back at these three days, the Youth Festival was an amazing mix of fun and learning. It celebrated the energy and creativity of young people at Mahraja Krisnkumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. The success of the event not only recognized individual achievements but also highlighted the unity and collaboration in our university's cultural community.
I tried to attend most events to gain valuable insights. Focusing on language and literature, I noticed that all festival fields connect to literature in some way, spanning both contemporary and ancient times.
Our Head of Department and our talented professor Barad sir insist on attending all events, necessary for our blog where we apply literary theories. This practice deepens our understanding of new and current ideas' representation. The Festival beautifully blended novelty and familiar elements, offering a rich and diverse experience.
The Festival of Youthfulness is more than just events; it's an emotion and a celebration of young people's energy, creativity, and smart thinking. It's a stage for young folks to express themselves, try different art forms, and have important conversations.
Attending the Youth Festival isn't just about watching performances; it's about feeling the lively spirit of youth. The excitement, enthusiasm, and clever ideas from the participants create a vibrant atmosphere. The festival shows how dynamic and creative young people can be, actively shaping the present with their ideas, expressions, and artistic endeavors.
Special thanks to Dilip Barad sir for encouraging our participation and keen observation. Thanks to Vaidehi ma'am and Megha ma'am for their help and support as team managers during the youth festival. Also, thanks to Alpa ma'am for continuous support in making our participation in Kalayatra possible. Your efforts and guidance were crucial in shaping our representation.
A big thank you for your dedication to nurturing our talents and fostering a vibrant learning environment.
Thank You
No comments:
Post a Comment