A grad Fete accompli

It’s raining ‘fest’-ivals in namooru! With young college folk putting up stellar shows all through this month and the next; it’s little wonder to witness how there’s throbbing excitement in the air. Incidentally, a refreshing digression from the usual is being noted —  there has been a rise in psychology fests and a host of other unconventional feats, keeping in mind the flavour of millennials — impromptu and in the now. In a candid chat, young Bengaluru collegians tell us more...

“The idea of coming up with a psychology workshop cum fest was simple. As students learning about mental ailments that often are overlooked or go unnoticed, this is our bit to show our concern and intent to spread sound mental health. Our fest is a partly charitable event, as we will be contributing a major chunk of the entry fees for a cause.

I believe the need to bring about an awareness is what has led to more colleges conjuring up fests that make a difference,” opines Akshatha PB, a final year student and cultural committee head, about the concept behind Samvardhan, a one of a kind psychology fest at Jain University, JC Road, which will focus on hand writing analysis, short movie screenings and the like.

The ongoing two day fest will go on till February 9. Incidentally, while the focus is clearly on breaking away from the regular rut; there’s more to the perspective. Speaking about the same, Desmond Solomon, a second year BBM student and president, student council, CMR University, Banasvadi, shares, “With our fest Vaudeville just round the corner, there’s nervousness in the air. But, most importantly, more than our fest being a hit or delivering more than the rest; the intent of putting it all up is to not merely stand out. The month-long arduous process and preparations bring people from different courses and interests together. The fact that such arrangements foster togetherness is the highlight. To us, it’s all about enjoying the journey and that’s what matters.”

Enthusing how a substantial shift to give audiences what they need has arisen, Lalith Dhanush, president of the student council, Jain Centre for Commerce, CGS, concedes, “A couple of years ago, it was about putting up a good show with delicious grub, a DJ night thrown in and a host of activities. But now, the mantra has changed and it’s solely about giving what the audience want. Fests are no longer merely reflective of what works, but rather an opportunity to give your college folks an opportunity to indulge in what they would actually look forward to. So, instead of a business quiz, you’ll find us roping in popular standup guys because that’s the flavour for our upcoming fest titled Elysian.To sum it up, teams are more adapted to the current scenario.  It’s about doing your thing, clearly.”