AFSU, Jadavpur University organised Sanskriti '23; A six day-long fest for students

After a three year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the students of Jadavpur University revelled in celebration of the six day-long students’ fest, Sanskriti '23, organised by the Arts Faculty Students’ Union (AFSU), Jadavpur University.

Students from all across the Arts Faculty and beyond came together to organise and participate in the myriad of events. The entire patch from Gate No. 4 to the Arts-Science More, Subarna Jayanti Bhawan, the Gandhi Bhawan porch, the Open Air Theater and the Green Zone were decked up in brilliantly hued fairy lights and lanterns. There were stalls from small business owners and students selling food, jewellery, stationery and garments. Students painted graffitis on the walls of the Open Air Theater. Each day of the fest saw students from all over the Arts Faculty unleash their talent as part of the students’ performance event.

Apart from competitions on a wide range of genres like debate, music (both eastern and western solo), dance, rap, quiz, creative writing, recitation, antakshari, street theatre, extempore, students enthusiastically took part in the cartoon workshop conducted by popular cartoonist Sujog Bandopadhyay (famous for his Rappa Ray series) and the painting workshop by celebrated artist Hiran Mitra.

Learners from all over the city assembled to pay tribute to Late Prof. Samantak Das, ex pro vice chancellor of Jadavpur University and Professor of Comparative Literature through the Samantak Das Memorial Literary Meet, organised on January 31 and and February 1, as a part of the students’ fest. The speakers, Smt. Anita Agnihotri, Mr. Kumar Rana and Prof. Sanjay Mukhopadhyay talked about Bhasha o Porichiti, i.e. Language and Identity, its significance and impact on the population. Prof. Mukhopadhyay fondly commemorated the late litterateur and the grand legacy he has left behind, as an academic and noted social commentator. The session was moderated by Prof. Anindya Sengupta, Department of Film Studies, Jadavpur University. The second session was graced by a delightful conversation between illustrious film director, Pradipta Bhattacharyya and popular RJ, Mirchi Agni on the usurpation of independent Bengali cinema by OTT platforms.

AFSU Sanskriti '23 stole the show with a variety of splendid guest performances, ensuing with a folk night. Raikamal and Phulkishori were one of the many songs on the first night to which people vibed along. On the 31st, a Comedy Night, a novelty in the history of Sanskriti, was held. Royal Bengal Comedy (RBC) performed at the Gandhi Bhawan Chataal. JU alumni Aniruddha Bal and Swarnavo Dey and other members of RBC were on point with their brilliant sense of humour and masterfully struck a chord with the crowd’s sense of hilarity.

‘Hooliganism’ by Anirban Bhattacharyya, Debraj Bhattacharyya and Shubhodeep Guha was an instant hit among the masses. The Green Zone erupted with spirits as Anirban’s Ami Ei Deshetei Thakbo and Kicchu Chaini Aami flooded the atmosphere. T.R.A.P and Borno Anonyo on the consequent days caught all the attention with their lofty performances. JU spirits soared high as Borno Anonyo’s Laal e Laal resounded through the walls of the OAT.

The final day saw a footfall of over 20,000 into the University, to witness popular Bengali band, Chandrabindoo perform. The massive crowd cheered in waves and glowing torchlights as Bhindeshi Tara was rendered.

AFSU Sanskriti 23 celebrated camaraderie, love, life and cultural extravaganza like no other. It was all about “Joutho Thakar Sanskriti '' or the rich, welcoming culture of Jadavpur that strings us all together, savouring joie de vivre.