Sangamam 16 – A short preview

Sangamam, the 3-day intra-college cultural fest in GCT kick-starts today at the campus. The prelims that were conducted throughout the days have come to an end with the finalists geared up for the grand finale. A huge collection of 30+ events and many more live performances specially for the sophomores spread throughout the next 3 days is back to entertain everyone. With the theme revolving around “Cinema”, this year, it’s going to be one event that would be remembered. Apart from the diverse mix of events, various other enactments have been planned by the various hosting clubs. The SJC team, after short talks with the teams performing these acts, gives its readers a short overview.

THERU KOOTHU:

Koothu alternatively spelt as kuttu, means dance or performance in Tamil. It is a folk art that originated from the ancient Tamil culture. Koothu refers to either ‘Therukoothu’ or Kattaikkoothu. Not only are some species vanishing from the face of our Earth, forms of folk art too are no more a part of the ethnic tradition of the people, today, in most regions of this world. The present generation is not even aware of the existence of these forms of folk art. One such ethnic folk art indigenous to India is the street play. It is virtually a slowly dying art. But, GCTians take pride in presenting this act in all its glory. Our present final years started performing Therukoothu. From the last Muthtamil vizha, girls of third year started this ethnic folk art in our college. In this “Sangamam”, boys and girls across various years come together to present it. They are practicing with a different story this time. Observing them during their practice, one could figure their complete dedication and efforts. All this started before 15 days with a search for the concept and by march 7, started their practice. They start their daily practice by 6 am and it goes for 2-3 hours. Their presence during the interview was a nice time. Their group co-ordination is awesome and everyone could expect more than what they came for. The enactment would be near the parking by 11:15 AM today.

SKIT:

Skit is a short, funny story or performance. It is performed by LDS. It is presented in English. They have been presenting for the past few years. This year, first and second year students are presenting this but the major role is by the first year students. They started their practice a week ago. They have definitely worked a lot, thinking up to the depth to come with a new concept. Since they are freshers, they are very excited to present this. They are guided by seniors from the club. They are thinking about smart ways to express their thoughts in front of the audience. Who wouldn’t love a skit in English, especially when first years are a part of it! With full spirits to watch this on “SANGAMAM”.

DRAMA:

Drama is a specific mode of narrative typically fictional represented in performance. The two marks associated with drama represent the traditional generic division between comedy and tragedy. Drama is often combined with music and dance. Our college students were not aware of this in the past years. This year, they took their own interest to do this. Second and third year students have been vigorously practising for atleast, six hours a day to complete the concept. They are very interested and very excited to present this, on the stage as this is the first time to present the element of drama. During their practise, the SJC team came around them and noticed that they are fully involved them by even discussing themselves as the character given to them. They are giving it their maximum to perfect this. So far, we didn’t have any drama group in our college. But this year, a small group of individuals teamed up and started practising seriously. We sure that they will succeed in this venture, and let this to continue in the upcoming years.

VILLU PATTU:

Villu pattu (or ‘Bow song’ as translated in English villu means bow) also known as villadichampattu and villupaatu is an ancient form of musical story. Telling where narration is impressed with music, art of south Kerala and Kanyakumari district and in thovalai of Tamilnadu. This are form is popular among Nadar and Ezhava caste of erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Simple tunes and simple versus make the history to be followed easily. In Tamil villagers, performers narrate stories, Ranging from mythological to social. The main storyteller narrates the story striking the bow. They are also udukkai, kudam, thala, kattai which are used as supplementary instruments performances. This ancient form of storytelling is going to be performed in our college too. They started works before some months when they prepared a concept and did villupaatu on that at NIT, Trichy and won first prize for it too. The same team is going to perform in front of us in Sangamam. One can’t even imagine how it’s gonna be. We are awaiting to in Sangamam. All the best for this team and I wish that they will reach the peak happiness after their Sangamam performance.

Sangamam 2016 - Schedule of events

Not only is the entertainment limited to these acts, the clubs have come together to perform many other entertaining shows like the Puppet show and many many more dance events. And not to mention the Orchestra which will be on the second day of Sangamam. So, don’t miss the fun GCTians!