Hetal Pathak's Blog : Youth festival

Youth Festival 2023 - Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Welcome readers! This blog is a response to the task given by Dr. Dilip Barad sir from the Department of English at MKBU. In this blog , I am going to provide a comprehensive description of all the youth events. Specifically, this blog delves into the overall experience of the Youth Festival 2023 organized by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. While I didn't participate in any event, I will share my personal experience of the three days of the Youth Festival and my role as a volunteer.

Manbhavan Yuvak Mahotsav - 2023 Highlights, MKBU [ Narishakti Vandana ]

Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University Organised its 31st Youth Festival titled "Manbhavan Yuvak Mahotsav" from November 3rd to 5th. Each year, the students enthusiasm during the Youth Festival reaches remarkable heights. The central theme of this festival was "Nari Shakti Vandana," and the event was hosted by the Physical Education Department of the University.

The entire festival featured a total of 32 competitions organized under five Sections, including Literature, Music, Fine Arts, Dance, and Theatre, each with a specific name.

- "मनभावन शब्दम" - English Department

- "मनभावन स्वरम" - New Court hall

- "मनभावन नृत्यम" - Amphitheatre

- "मनभावन नाट्यम" - Atal Auditorium

- "मनभावन रंगम" - External Department

Kalayatra - ( 2 / 11/ 2023 ) Thursday [ Day 1]

Kalayatra marked the commencement of the first event of the Youth Festival, held in the evening on November 2, 2023. The route extended from Shamaldas Arts College to Central Salt and concluded at J.K. Sarvaiya Group of Colleges in Sardarngar. The primary objective and motto behind Kalayatra were to provide students with a platform to showcase their artistic talents, presenting innovative ideas. Participants from various colleges and departments expressed their creativity through diverse costumes and posters. Additionally, the event was live-streamed on a YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to witness Kalayatra and other activities.

Themes represented in the various Tableaux of Kalayatra. Here I am sharing the glimpse of it.

1. Theme of Chandrayaan :- The Kalayatra of Youth festival , with its captivating theme of Chandrayan, celebrates the Spirit of exploration and discovery. Chandrayaan immerses participants in the wonders of space exploration and scientific achievement. It reflects the journey of Dr. APJ Abdul kalam.

The theme of Chandrayaan allign with the main theme or concept of Nari Shakti Vandana in the Kalayatra of Youth festival. Scientific endeavors represented by Chandrayaan or the empowerment of women symbolized in Nari shakti Vandana.

2. Theme of Ved se Veg :- The theme of "Ved se Veg" delves into the contributions of ancient munis, ISRO, and Old Ras-Garba. It centers around the concept of Vedas, and this constitutes the primary focus of Ved se Veg. During the Kalayatra, the Swami Sahajanand group of colleges presented this theme.

3. Theme of Women's Contribution in the development of women : Gurjari Bahuratna Vasundhara :-

Gurjari Bahuratna Vasundhara , a theme presented by Shamaldas arts college in Bhavnagar, sheds light on the invaluable contributions of women in the development of society. This insightful Potrayal encompasses the remarkable efforts of influential figures such as kasturba Gandhi, Illaben patel , sarita Gayakvad and numerous others. This theme represents women's empowerment in society.

4. Disadvantages of Mobile :-

In the vibrant Kalayatra of the Youth Festival, the theme addressing the disadvantages of mobile phones emerges as a poignant reflection on societal impacts stemming from technological developments. Nowadays, smartphones have become necessary, offering both advantages and disadvantages. This has sparked concern among the youth about the appropriate use of mobile phones. The theme delves into the challenges posed by excessive mobile phone usage.

5. Nari Shakti Vandana :-

The theme of Nari Shakti Vandana during the Kalayatra of the Youth Festival, celebrating the empowering Spirit of womanhood. This theme celebrates the different avatars of Nine goddesses. Nari Shakti Vandana served as a reminder and through this theme we have to recognize and amplify the voices of women in every sphere of life.

6. The Theme of Women : From Oppression to Freedom :-

We the students of English Department, MKBU represented this theme titled - ' women : from Oppression to Freedom.'

The theme of Women: From Oppression to Freedom intricately unfolds the transformative journey of women, navigating through the constraints of traditional roles to embrace modern empowerment. It explores poignant narratives, from the persistence of child marriage in Balikavadhu to the challenging lives of working women and the often-overlooked toil of mothers and wives. The portrayal extends to widows grappling with a colorless existence and societal suppression.

However, the narrative takes a triumphant turn as women emerge from these oppressive circumstances, challenging societal norms to excel in diverse fields such as business, law, engineering, cricket, the navy, dance, medicine, and journalism. The empowered women not only break free from traditional shackles but actively contribute to uplifting those suppressed by societal norms, marking a profound shift from oppression to freedom.

Here I am sharing glimpses of the Kalayatra Practice and the Works that we have done.

Although I didn't participate in any single event of youth festival. But, my role as a volunteer was integral to the success of the event. My responsibilities included ensuring that everyone gathered outside, offering help to participants whenever needed, capturing memorable moments through photography, and handling other tasks. A special acknowledgment goes to Alpa Ma'am for her continuous support and guidance in shaping the ideas behind Kalayatra. Her contributions played a significant role in making the event a fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Final Video of Kalayatra 2023

Theme :- Women : From Oppression to Freedom

Thanks to Ronak bhai for shooting this video. It will help us with Documentation and be available for future students of the English Department.

3rd November, 2023 ( Friday)

Opening Ceremony

On November 3, 2023, from 9:30 to 12:00, an Opening Ceremony took place in the Amphitheatre. Two students from the Life Science Department hosted the entire event. The Ceremony commenced with the University song and a warm welcome to the chief guests. Dignitaries present included M.M. Trivedi sir, Sagardan Gadhvi, Amiben Upadhyay, Bhartiben Shiyal, and Dr. Hetalben Mehta, the Principal of Swami Sahajanand College.

Highlighting the event was a captivating Kathak performance by the Kalapath group from Bhavnagar. Their performance, aligned with the central theme of Nari Shakti Vandana, was truly exceptional.

The chief guests expressed the significance of the Youth Festival in the overall development of students and extended their best wishes to all participants.

Here is the video recording of Opening Ceremony.

https://www.youtube.com/live/jDLAZemNAN0?si=ey_qhJwiBJ2Ct3h9

Chief guests of the Opening Ceremony provided a Speech which encouraged a large number of students. After the completition of Opening Ceremony, all the events started side by side at various Places. There were many events were parallel going on the first day of youth festival. Here , I am giving the names of the Places where all the events organized.

1. Amphitheatre

2. Atal Auditorium

3. New Court Hall

4. External Department

5. Department of English

Varoius Events of the Youth Festival -

3rd November, 2023 ( Friday )

Day - 1

Here , I am giving a List of different competitions on Day - 1 , brief overview about the events, Topics given in that and some Photographs.

1. Mimicry ( Organized in the Amphitheatre)

Mimicry, the first event of the Youth Festival, unfolded as a captivating showcase of talent and creativity. Participants use their own voices to imitate various sounds such as scooter, helicopter, train, Auto - Rikshaw, sounds of different animals. Participants worked very hard to make their performance good and satisfactory.

Last year there were only four Participants in the Mimicry. But, this time it was good to see that 7 or 8 Participants were there.

2. Skit :- ( Organized in the Atal Auditorium)

A skit is a brief, comedic performance that typically involves a small group of actors and often serves to entertain or convey a humorous message. The event of skit allows participants to showcase their creativity, acting skills, facial expressions, wit, often eliciting laughter from the audience. Skit covered many important topics which throw some light upon the current scenerio of India.

Skit is a kind of event for the purpose of entertainment and reflects everyday Situations that brings people together through shared laughter and ammusement.

3. Bhajan ( Organised at New Court Hall)

Bhajan is a devotional song or hymn in Hinduism , often sung in the praise of deities. In Bhajan, musical expressions played a vital role. Tools like Tabla and many more are required in the event of Bhajan. Overall, Bhajan events serves as a Powerful means of expressing devotion.

4.On the Spot Painting :- ( External Department)

On the spot painting is the event where artist create captivating art work. In this event participants expressing their skills and creativity on the Spot. Many students took part in this event of On the Spot Painting. Topics given in this event were,

Nari Shakti & Utsavo ni ujavani. Here, I am adding some Photographs. In this event, Hina Parmar from our class took Part and showcased her talent.

5. Prashna manch ( Quiz Competition) Round 1:-

( Organized in the Department of English)

The quiz event consists of two rounds, each team comprising three participants. In the initial round, participants undergo a written test, with the top five teams advancing to the final round. The quiz master orchestrates the second and final round, open for observation by others.

I, along with Avani and Ghanshyam from Semester 3 class, served as volunteers during the event, collaborating with students from Semester 1 class. This volunteering effort was great as we all were communicating with each other.

6. Folk Dance ( Organized in the Amphitheatre)

Folk dances serve as vibrant celebrations of cultural traditions, encapsulating the rich heritage of diverse communities. During these events, participants dedicate numerous days to perfecting their performances, aiming for elegance, extraordinariness, and satisfaction. The rigorous practice demands considerable energy from the participants. The entire amphitheater brimmed with spectators, thoroughly enjoying the live performances presented by the participants, reflecting the essence of Indian culture. The diverse forms, such as Adivasi Ras, Prachin Garbo, Tippani, and more, showcase the intricacies of human experience through the art of dance.

7. Halvu Kanthya Sangeet ( Sugam geet) [Organised in New Court Hall]

In this event many Participants were there and from Our Department Hardi from Semester 1 class took Part in sugam geet.

8. Swarachit Kavya Pathan ( Poetry writing and Recitation) :-

Swarachit Kavya Pathan was organized in the Department of English. In this competition, participants had to write poetry on subjects or topics given to them on the spot. Afterward, each participant had to recite their poem, reflecting and developing the great abilities and skills of the students. Many participants took part in this competition, including my friend Upasana from the English Department. My friends and I were present to support and encourage the participants, providing me with the opportunity to listen to poetry recitations and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Topics of Swarachit Kavya Pathan :-

1. ઉમ્મીદ

2. બાળપણ ખોવાણું

3. સ્મરણોની કેડીએ

4.જે કર જૂલાવે પારણું

5. મેરી મિટ્ટી મેરા દેશ

After the completion of this competition, we had the opportunity to listen to poetry from Parulben Khakkhar, Kavi Shree Snehi Parmar sir, and Dr. Himal Pandya sir. It was truly a great, memorable, and fruitful experience to hear them.

9. Paper Collage ( External Department)

Fish tank, Flowerpot and Rainy season were the subjects or topics of Paper Collage. This competition provides a best platform to students so that they can showcases their ability and skill in a very artistic way. From Semester -3 class Hina Parmar took part in this.

4th November, 2023 ( Saturday)

Second Day of Youth festival

On the second Day of Youth festival, I am sharing a list of different competitions, an overview about the events and some Photographs.

1. Samuh Geet ( Western) :-

This was the very first event on the second day of youth festival, organized in the Amphitheatre. The timing of this event was 10:30 to 12:30 P.m.

2. Ekanki ( One act Play ) :-

One act Play organized in the Atal Auditorium. At that time the final round of quiz were going on in the English Department. So, I was there as a volunteer and I couldn't get a chance to watch one act Play.

The one act Plays performed were :-

1. Kashmir Crisis

2. Laxmi

3. Vat ek vyatha ni

4. Ene nahi to Mele

5. Jo Guzar na saki woh zindagi humne guzari hain

6. Meran

7. Mahamrutunjay

8. Christy Brown

But, you can read in detail about one act Play. For that refer Dhatri Parmar's blog.

3. Shastriya Gayan ( Organized in the new Court Hall)

4. Tatkal Photography ( On the Spot Photography) :-

This event organized in the external Department. In this event, Topics are given on the spot and gave time to participants for capturing the photos according to the subjects. At last, participants have to submit the Photographs.

Topics of on the spot Photography :-

● યુથ ફેસ્ટિવલ 2023

● આજની નારી

● કુદરતની સંગાથે

5. Clay Modeling ( External Department) :-

The event of Clay Modeling organized in the External Department of MKBU. Following are the subjects of Clay Modeling.

1. માતૃપ્રેમ

2. ગ્રામ્ય જીવન

3. સંગીતકાર

Rajeshvariba Rana took part in this event. Here I am adding the Photographs.

6. Elocution Competition :-

Elocution competition organized at New Court Hall. There were so many participants in this competition. Trushali Dodiya took part in this. Participants can present their ideas and views in Hindi, Gujarati and English language. Following are the topics of Elocution competition.

● આર્ટિફિશિયલ ઇન્ટેલિજન્સ: કેટલું પડકારજનક?

● યત્ર નર્યાત્સુ પૂજ્યંતે

● ચાલો વૃધ્ધાશ્રમ ઘટાડીએ

● પર્યાવરણ અને માનવ: એક સિક્કાની બે બાજુ

● Global Terrorism: Implications and Solutions વૈશ્વિક આતંકવાદ: અસરો અને ઉકેલો

● बुलंद भारत की बुलंद तसवीर

7. Quiz Competition ( Final round)

In the Department of English, the final round of a quiz competition took place with five teams. The quiz master provided essential instructions before commencing the quiz, and spectators were allowed to watch, including me and some of my friends who attended the final round of quiz.

8. Classical Dance :-

Classical Dance organized in the Atal Auditorium. Indian Classical dance is a term for Various Performances rooted in Hindu musical theatre Styles. There were six to seven Participants in Classical dance. It is a Famous dance form Perfomed by both men and Women. It is also a dance form of Facial expressions. All the Participants Perfomed in a very well way.

9. Cartooning :- ( External Department )

The event of Cartooning organized at the External Department of MKBU. Dhatri Parmar took part in this competition and she secured second position in that. Following are the topics of Cartooning.

● મોંઘવારી

● ચૂંટણી

● ગાંધીજી અને જનતા

10. Essay Competition :- ( Department of English )

Essay competition organized at Department of English. There were many Participants in Essay Writing Competition. The main purpose of this Competition was that Students can explore the new things and ideas. It helps in developing their writing and thinking skill. Five topics were given to the students and they had to write on any one Particular topic. Insiyafatema Alvani took part from our class in this competition.

Following are the topics of Essay competition :-

1. India's Space Odyssey

2. From the Kitchen to Cabinet - Women, Don't Give Up

3. Are Wars Inevitable?

4. The Importance of Value based Education

5. Plastic Pollution - Problems & Resolution

11. Poster Making :- ( External Department)

Poster Making organized at the External Department of MKBU. Topics were given to the participants and that is how they made posters and represents the skill and ability. Following are the topics of Poster Making.

● વૃધ્ધની સેવા

● પાણી બચાવો

● કન્યા શિક્ષણ

12. Mono - Acting :- ( Atal Auditorium )

Mono acting organized at Atal Auditorium. In Mono - Acting, there were many students who had taken part compared to mimicry. Participants choose their topics from current situation like - exploitation of women, Rape and other things also. Here is a glimpses of Mono - Acting. Pooja Bhuva took part in this event.

5th November, 2023

Third day of youth festival

□ Installation :-

The event of Installation organized at the External Department of MKBU. Timing of this event was from 8:00 am to 10:00 in the morning. Following are the topics of Installation.

1. નારીશક્તિ (Women Power)

2. સુરક્ષા

3. મજૂર

4. ચિકિત્સા (આયુર્વેદના સંદર્ભમાં)

□ Samuh Geet ( Bhartiya)

The event of Samuh Geet Bhartiya organized in the Amphitheatre.

□ Mime :- ( Atal Auditorium )

The event of Mime organized in the Atal Auditorium. The Mime event at the Youth Festival unfolds as a mesmerizing showcase of silent storytelling, where young performers captivate audiences with their artful expressions and imaginative narratives. Participants, draped in white, bring scenes to life through the eloquent language of gestures and movements, conveying emotions and tales without uttering a single word. The Mime event not only demonstrates the performers' skillful mastery of body language and facial expressions but also serves as a powerful medium for social commentary and introspection. As the silent stories unfold on the stage, the audience is drawn into a world of creativity and symbolism, making the Mime event a poignant and thought-provoking highlight of the Youth Festival, fostering an appreciation for the subtleties of communication and the power of theatrical expression.

Closing Ceremony of the Youth Festival :-

The Closing Ceremony brings too much joy and excitement for all the students. Before the final declaration of results, the closing ceremony was there. It was held at Amphitheatre and started around 4:00 P.m. All the students were very much eager to know about the full and final results of this Youth festival.

Winning moments :-

Out of 18 students of Department of English - Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, these two students received awards. Winning is good but Participation is more important rather than winning. It was great thing that many students involved and participated in many events.

Many many Congratulations to Trushali Dodiya for winning second Position in Rangoli competition and Dhatri Parmar for winning second position in Cartooning. It was truly a proud and great moment for all of us.

This year Swami Sahajanand group of colleges won the championship shield. While, The KPES college came as Runners up. So, Many many congratulations to both the Institutes for their excellent perfomance of Youth festival 2023.