Chennai: The lush green campus of IIT-Madras has come alive with the music, dance and games for the 25th edition of Saarang, the institutes annual cultural festival which began today. The events will go on till 12 January. The institute is set to host more than 100 events and expects a footfall of 70,000 students from 500 colleges.
“The theme for this year being ‘Madras Memoirs’ is set to evoke the memories of its decades worth of history and tap into the rich heritage and culture of its mother city,” a press release said.
Many new events such as ‘Vernacular Fest’, ‘India Fest’ and a ‘Film Fest’ are lined up this year. Another being ‘Spotlight lectures’, which have famous personalies such as singer Sid Sriram, historian and author Manu S Pillai, author Christopher C Doyle and players of Chennayin FC taking part in it.
Today, the festival begins with a ‘Classical Night’ where Asia Book Record holder Rajhesh Vaidhya, will be performing at the Open Air Theatre on campus.
Professor M S Sivakumar, Dean of Students, IIT Madras said, ‘Saarang fest is completely organised by students. Nearly, 850 students have worked to make this happen. This year too they have the regular features. They are also continuing their social outreach project-Leap that is Learning and Education Accessibility Project.’
The goal of Leap is to make and provide tools and resources of education to the underprivileged. Through the year they will have paper recycling campaigns, manufacturing and distribution of eco-friendly notebooks to Government school children, career counselling opportunities and book donations.
Abhinav Kankane, Cultural Affairs Secretary (literary), IIT Madras said, “It is a matter of pride to win at Saarang and this year too we have made sure the standards are maintained. Earlier when Saarang was known as ‘Mardi Gras’, we have had famous singers such as A R Rahman to Benny Dayal gracing the stage. Famous artistes from various countries will be part of the event this year. We have International judges for the choreo events, band performances and graffitti.”
Ethnic rockband Motherjane and Indie rock band ‘When Chai Met Toast’ will be performing. On 12 January, Shankar Mahadevan will be performing with the six piece experimental funk fusion band, ‘Karnautic’.