JOIN USAntardhvani is fast emerging as the brightest star in the galaxy of Delhi University festivals.
The second edition of this three-day long fest was recently celebrated with a plethora of events ranging from the annual flower show to an NCC parade, writing and debating contests to music and dance competitions, and a science innovational plaza to even a multi-cuisine food court. No doubt, the Stadium Complex in North Campus was jampacked with students, teachers and staff for its full duration.
This fest was started only last year by the DU Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh. Professor Malashri Lal, Chairperson, Antardhvani, explains, “We feel that every child has one or other kind of innate talent. It could be in music, dance, art or anything else. All that one needs to do is listen to his or her inner calling – the antardhvani. This fest is a celebration of that talent which drives us to our ultimate goal in life.”
“Also, even though every college in DU has its own fest, till 2011, there was no one fest of Delhi University. It is important that students of different colleges know each other. Graduation students should be familiarised with post graduation students as well as the various departments of DU. There should be a sense of belongingness to the varsity, and Antardhvani, we feel, helps develop that.”
In the same spirit, there was full participation from all constituents of DU this time. After the inauguration of the fest by IT Minister Kapil Sibal, deaf and mute students of the Equal Opportunities Cell rendered Jana Gana Mana in sign language. Students of the music department presented Rig Veda hymns and the Classical Dances department performed Kuchipudi. There was a show of yoga formations by the National Sports Organisation (NSO) and National Social Service (NSS) members sang their mission song Lakshya Geet.
For the first time, every college and department of DU put up a stall. They presented the best aspect of their college like a good teaching practice, cultural society, publication etc.. Besides, there was also an International Plaza where the foreign students of DU showcased their cultural traditions in the form of dance, music, art, embroidered clothes as well as exotic cuisines.
Then there were the competitive events. In Classical dances competition, there were presentations of Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi etc. besides a stunning Kathakali rendition complete with the colourful makeup and costume. In folk dances, there was everything ranging from the boisterous Bhangra to the gentle Bihu. In Vocal music, all genres from filmi to folk and classical to ghazal came to the fore, whereas the Instrumental round saw renditions of piano, guitar, violin, percussion as well as sitar.
DU’s daring street-plays appeared in full form dealing with issues such as corruption, female foeticide, environmental degradation and even tobacco consumption. The artistic side of students also found flourish with paintings, sculptures, models etc.
making their way to the stadium gallery.
In another ‘first’ in Antardhvani, colleges also presented their scientific innovations such as advanced robots, solar and bio-energy plants, water quality analysis instruments etc.. As a student Kamyani Bhandari exclaimed, “Antardhvani is a great way to celebrate DU students’ creativity and achievements. Meeting your counterparts from other colleges once a year – it becomes a big carnival, but with a good dose of learning.”