Indian Colleges in Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, etc., are embracing cultural diversity in India like never before, using it as a theme for their annual gatherings. These events are a celebration of the country’s rich heritage, showcasing its various traditions, customs, and art forms. Students gather to share their love for Indian culture, be it through music, dance, fashion, or food. It is a time for cultural exchange, learning, and fun. A platform where students can appreciate the diversity that makes India so unique.
A similar flow of events occurred in Mumbai on Friday, 8 August, when the BAMMC and MAPR Department of Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science, and Commerce in Chembur hosted their annual media and cultural fest, ‘RAAGA’, with a vibrant theme: ‘Sadiyon Se Rangmanch’. This was an event where the students of the department showcased the cultural diversity and rich traditions of India, which have been followed for centuries. The event was a beautiful mix of mesmerising music, fabulous dance performances, and some great moments to remember.
The Auditorium was jam-packed with students and alumni, and it was a prolific cinematographer, Hemant Ram, who made an appearance by being the chief guest of this dynamic event. Hemant is a cinematographer who has worked in films like Raksha Bandhan (2022), Darbha (2023), and Hamari Ram Leela (2024). The principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Anita Kanwar, and the vice-principals, Dr. Ritika Makhijani and Mrs. Samitha Sharma Kain, along with the Head of the Department, Ms. Pritika Khedwal, were also present at the event.
The event was more than just a normal cultural event, as it was a story of how a Generation Z Non-Resident Indian who lives abroad, travelled to Mumbai on her grandfather’s advice to explore India, where she met a guide who helped the NRI to explore the various cultures and traditions followed in this vastly diverse country by showcasing different forms of dances performed like Lavani and Bharatanatyam, or introducing various lyricists and poets, and also about the festivals celebrated across India, such as Lath Maar Holi and Bathukamma (a festival celebrated in Telangana to honour the Hindu Goddess Gauri, also known as Parvati). The music team also sang ghazals and shayaris, which energized the mood of the audience.
This event was also special as the cover page of the department’s magazine ‘GOONJ’ was released. The magazine will follow the theme of ‘Boomers To Zoomers’. The department also shared the glimpses of last year’s SAW (Social Awareness Week), an event where the department spends a week in the Orphanages, Old Age Homes, Cancer Shelters, Animal Rescue centres, and Underprivileged schools in Mumbai, and also conducts various extension activities. It is also official that the publishing of GOONJ will happen on the Inauguration Day of SAW 2025, which is scheduled for December later this year.
It was the dedication of students that made the event successful and one to remember. The performers, the technical crew, the Creatives team, the logistics and Hospitality crew gave their all till the very end. As the event has completed more than 20 Years, this is said to be one of the most successful events the department has been hosting.
