The English department of our college has been trying to retrieve theatre from the pages of textbooks and put it where it really belongs ? on stage. In keeping with this, a dramatics society was launched recently. Called Bohemian Souls, the society aims to familiarise students with the different aspects and techniques of drama.

Speaking at the inaugural function, eminent theatre personality Satyakee Bhuyan gave a lucid explanation of the various nuances of good drama. We also got to understand the importance of the production team in staging a play. We were encouraged to think of original ideas for staging plays.

The inauguration was followed by a lively interactive session. Speakers here called upon the students to enhance their creativity by writing their own scripts.

Shaheena Islam, second year BA English (honours), Handique Girls? College, Guwahati

JALPAIGURI
Euphoric days

Recently, Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College organised its week-long fest JECLAT?04. The extravaganza kicked off with a performance by Bangla rock band Shahar. As they belted out popular numbers like Bandhu and Ichhedana, almost the entire audience joined in. They wrapped up with the melodious Amar bhitare bahire achho tumi.

Next came the event for which we had all been waiting with bated breath. Amid thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour, Palash Sen and Euphoria set the stage ablaze. They burst on stage with Vande Mataram on their lips. Then, with Dhoom pichak and Kaise bhoolegi mera naam, the crowd went simply berserk. While humdum suniyo re, It?s my life and Summer of 69 had the adrenaline pumping, the softer strains of Tu hi re and Maayeri came as a soothing touch. The show had started at almost 2 am went on till 4.30. The inclement weather was no deterrent for either Palash and his band or the students.

The next day, we had a reunion event called Rendezvous. Many of the ex-students, now well-established and successful in their chosen fields, got misty-eyed remembering their college days.

The cultural programme commenced from September 13. There were a variety of events like western solo, antakshari, made for each other, word--magic, quiz, pentathlon, spot dancing, spot acting, creative writing and computer programming.

The fest saw active participation from other institutes like Siliguri Institute of Technology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology and North Bengal University, among others.

Ishita Aditya, third year, electronics and communications engineering, Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College

CALCUTTA
Freshers? welcome

On September 22, Sri Shikshayatan College organised a freshers? welcome for all new BA and BSc students. The show began with a classical dance, followed by a solo song sung by a third year student. After this, there was a dance performance based on invoking the rains after a hot dry season.

The Hindi skit Reer ki haddi succinctly summed up the state of young women in today?s world. They have to face the ignominy of being scrutinised like a commodity by the prospective groom?s side.

There was also a fantastic western dance performance. The Freshers? Welcome concluded with a vote of thanks by our general secretary, Prerna Sharma.

Kareena Tilwani, First year BA English (honours), Sri Shikshayatan College

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