Diamond search from the ashes

Chrysalis '19, the most awaited All-India Intercollegiate Literary and Cultural Fest, is ready to set the stage on fire. The fourth edition of the fest, organised by the postgraduate department of English, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, will take place on February 8. This time, the organisers have come up with the theme Chrysalis'19 - From Ashes to Diamonds. The event was huge success in the past three years and college students are waiting for it.

The organisers flagged off Chrysalis '19 by cleaning up historic sites like the Fort Kochi beach, in association with Clean Fort Kochi Foundation and Couch Surfing. They have also taken up the challenge #IChallengePlasticBottle, which is an initiative to preserve the earth by making it plastic-free in association with Fr. Davis Chirammel Foundation and supported by the Rotary Club of Cochin North, with the aim of helping the families affected by the recent floods. 

Elaborating on the theme, Head of the English Department, Lissy Kachappilly says, “Every year, the fest is conducted with a special initiative taken up by the students of the department for a good cause. Chrysalis '19 is aimed at rediscovering the diamond hidden under the ashes, in each of us.” 

This year, unlike the previous years, the festival will be a one-day programme. However, there will be a variety of events, including both individual and group items. A total of 13 events will be conducted, and the winners will get cash prizes worth their time and energy. Events like Phospero Flammifero (matchstick art), The Glitteratti (theme-based parade) are among the most awaited events. Colleges from across the country will take part in the fest. 

“Excitement has gone sky-high on the campus with the event just a few days away. Chrysalis is not just a fest conducted by the department, it is a platform we provide for all our students to showcase their skills and talents. They can show what they are capable of and how they can conduct a festival in different ways through promoting, designing, writing, etc. Every student who takes part in this fest should learn something new when they return. It also prepares them to face their fears and achieve more, which would help them in the future. It is not about winning or losing, it is about what you learn and gain out of it and in the end, you should shine bright like a diamond, which is all that matters, Lissy added. 

The college winning the overall championship takes home a lump sum amount of Rs 15,000 and the ever rolling trophy.