15th August, 2010: India became independent on this very day and as a consequence we had our task cut out. Since the country got independence, cult com had no option but to get their act together. Well, we were up to the task and we had no option, because we wanted to work and make the events lined up for the day a success. All members were enthusiastic and the first years were a little too excited as this was their first event ever in college as members of the committee (and even otherwise, for that matter).
The day began with flag hoisting and an inspiring speech by Professor Basheer. From the pillar of justice, we moved to the auditorium for the Inter Batch Singing Competition.Here is an account of the fun filled details of the Competition by Pragya Gupta:
On the occasion of our 63rd Independence Day, the Cultural Committee organised an inter-batch group singing competition. Keeping in mind the spirit of the occasion, all the batches chose to sing some form of patriotic songs. The competition was scheduled to be held in the auditorium immediately after the flag hoisting ceremony. It was judged by Professor Shamnad Basheer.
The first years started off the event with a mellow ‘Bharat humko jaan se pyara hai’ and ended with an energetic and vibrant, ‘Kandho se milte hain kandhe’.... thus effectively setting the mood for the day. Their performance was followed by that of the second year batch who sang ‘haan yahi rasta hai tera’; from the movie lakshya; to the accompaniment of a guitar. The dulcet tones of their piece and the chords struck on the guitar were in sharp contrast with the vibrancy of the medley the first years had sung. Meanwhile the audience was having a great time cheering for their batch mates and providing them with a rhythm and encouragement by clapping along intermittingly.
The third years’ performance came next. Their performance was a metaphor for a united egalitarian society, the song being ‘yeh taara’ from the movie ‘Swades’. The performances were gradually getting more and more intense.... with the ambience affecting the participants. The next to come up on the stage were the fourth years. Their performance was a brilliant composition which flawlessly blended songs of different tenor and languages. They started with ‘Jaage hain ab saare’ and continued with the FIFA World Cup sensation ‘Give me freedom’. They also had flags waving onstage which made theirs an eye catching show.
The last performance for the morning was made by the outgoing batch, the fifth year students. They outdid all the other batches in enthusiasm, vigour and numbers too! It seemed as if half of them were onstage and still they coordinated very well. From vocalists to instrumentalists, all seemed to be having the time of their lives! They sang ‘Woh sikandar hi’ from the movie ‘Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar’. And they did emerge to be the ‘Sikandars’ of the college! They grabbed the first position, closely followed by the fourth year batch. Second years were awarded the third position. The last two positions went to the third year batch and the first year batch respectively.
That wasn’t the end of it though.... at the insistence of the students, Professor Shameek Sen sang ‘Chhodo kal kee baatein’ to a resounding round of applause! By the end of the very successful event, it seemed as if the students were high on the very patriotism in the air! Thus the day started on a very patriotic and lively note, which set the tone for the entire eventful day to come.
Hungry Noojies (no breakfast!) filled up the mess after the competition. Food was doled out and after the delicious brunch, an apparently satisfied junta left the mess. The spirit however was not missing, and a motley group of boys started singing patriotic songs from the fifth floor of the boys' hostel (or men's hall of residence as per the NUJS website)
Kite flying organised by LCAS took place next and then it was time for the hugely popular Tug of War. The following is Tanvi Verma's version of the event.
On the 63rd Independence Day, the Cultural Committee organised the much anticipated Inter-Batch “Tug of War” competition in association with the Mess Committee which started at 5 in the evening and went on till 8 at night. The event proved to be a huge success with almost every student pitching in to support their respective batches.By draw of lots it was decided that the First years would play the Fourth years and the Second years would play the Third years in a Best of Three competition. Each team was supposed to have fifteen participants including a minimum of five girls. The first round (First years vs. Fourth years) was won by the first year students by 2-0. The second round (Second years vs. Third year), which was a closely fought competition, started off with the Third years drawing the first blood. However, the Second years came back strongly to win the next two matches thereby reserving a place for themselves in the finals.
It ultimately came down to First years vs. Second years. The electric environment and the commitment shown by the participants, who were charged up and preparing for the kill, ensured that the spectators/supporters were guaranteed a fiercely competitive yet fun filled finale. Breaking from the tradition, the event was won convincingly by the First years by 2-0. A friendly match played between the winners and the Fifth years, which was won by the Fifth years, marked the end of a very eventful and exciting day. All in all the inter-batch competition was fought in good spirit and at the end of it everyone enjoyed themselves.
A fitting salute to a great day! :)
