The
students of Don Bosco College, Panjim, went the traditional way in a creative
manner by participating in the ‘Ghumat Aarti’ and Idol Making competition that
was organised on August 24, 2019 in the AV hall of the campus by the college’s
Life Skill Committee in association with the Ecotiva Club. Raghuvir Mahale was
the Chief Guest and faculty of social work Pankaj Kumbharas was the Guest of Honour.
The
competition commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, in the
presence of the college faculty. The Bachelors of Physical Education students
set the perfect atmosphere for the occasion with the recital of ‘Ganpati Sholka’,
a prayer, after which the ‘aarti’ traditionally takes place.
The
performances that followed showcased not merely the talent and skill of
students, but their hard work and dedication towards their performance, which
were admired by Mahale, who, during his speech, spoke of conserving Goan cultural
customs.
Just
as the competition began, the students concluded the program by reciting the ‘Sholka’.
The competition saw the Physical Education Department students winning the
first place while the students of BAMass Communication and BBA T&T (merged
together) emerged as the first runners up.
Besides
the ‘Ghumat Aarti’ competition, a Ganesh idol making competition was organised simultaneously.
In view of conservation of our environment, only bio-degradable materials were
allowed. From dough to coconut shells to clay, the students outdid themselves
in terms of their creativity and skill. However, it was again the Physical Education
Department students that stole the show with their clay idol, winning the first
place for the event.
On
the whole, the events provided a platform for students to showcase their
talents, as well as make them aware of traditional Goan customs and their
significance in society and the importance of their
conservation.
Report by Frederick Pio
Fernandes
