Gaurav Raj (right), an Intermediate student of St Xavier’s, performs with his band at Raaga-2008. (Right) Members of Vividha showcase their skill. Pictures by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, July 31: It was not just another music show.

The St Xavier’s campus rocked as the college band Srijan took centrestage. Gaurav Raj, an Intermediate student and lead singer of the band, rolled out popular songs one after another. The audience cheered the group as it delivered back-to-back hits.

Dhwani, the music society, of the autonomous St Xavier’s College organised Raaga-2008 on the college premises today.

Among other rock bands that performed were Frequency, Vividha, Srijan, Exodium and Disturbed, who rolled out English and Hindi numbers.

The showstopper of the evening, Raj, has had a fruitful run in various local competitions like Jharkhand Idol and Voice of Ranchi. And on campus, he was surely among the most popular performers.

So felt the ladies, too. “His voice is so good. I think he should try his luck in the reality shows now. He is sure to win,” said a very excited Niti Singh, a second-year student of the college.

The chief guest of the occasion was Sardar Surendra Singh, the director of Guru Nanak Hospital. The programme was organised by Erudite, an MBA coaching institute.

The president of Dhawani, Sudhanshu Singh, said the society was formed last year to showcase young talent on campus.

Radio jockey (RJ) Abhishek and college student Tanishq anchored the programme.

Among other performances that rocked the stage were Paheli Nazar Mein by Rohan Pathak and Teri Yaadein by Debashree Das Gupta.

Marina and group performed Har Taraf Har Jagah, which was one of the most promising performances of the evening. Students settled around the stage and enjoyed the group. “The song is so soothing. It makes you want to relax and be free. We want the show to go on and make the event more memorable,” said Nisha Sinha while leaving her chair to join the dance group.

Dhwani, the music society of Xavier’s has given students an opportunity to showcase their talent. “Otherwise students would never have come forward. Many are talented but they do not come out and perform. They would rather suppress it.

Dhwani has given them the opportunity to be what they are and we need more platforms in our city," said a third-year student of the college, Robin Singh.