Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040301940200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Showcasing their culture, tradition

Staff Reporter

Two Bangalore-based colleges celebrate international festivals, featuring a big, rich cultural mix

STRENGTHENING CULTURAL BOND: Students from abroad studying in colleges in Bangalore performing at `Gardenia Internationale 2006.'

BANGALORE: Bangalore surely is shining with its image as an IT, BT, AT (Apparel Technology as a Minister explained) city, reason good enough to attract students from Bhutan to Nepal and from Nigeria to Uganda.

Step into any college of significance here and you could spot students from abroad, some gelling well with the local crowd, some not. Yet, they add that distinct aura to the campuses.

Some of them have flocked together under a single umbrella with an international tag, while others have formed country-specific, college-specific associations. Recognising this collective cultural stirrings, college managements have now started arranging separate festivals for such students.

The city-based Dayananda Sagar Institutions and the Garden City College recently celebrated international fests, featuring a big, rich, cultural mix. The Garden City College's fest, "Gardenia Internationale 2006," was an occasion to offer a platform for its students from 38 countries. Also sharing the stage with them were students from abroad from other colleges in the city.

No wonder, the students had a gala time. Setting the stage ablaze were folk music vocals and dances and a popular ethnic fashion show. Of course, the students were in a mood for fun. Their college annual day had set the stage a few days before. Featured on that day were folk music vocals and dance, besides another fashion show and Mad-Ads. That show also featured a rock performance by "The Renegades," a band, which won accolades for its music imparted in A.R. Rahman's musical "Rang De Basanti."

At a picturesque amphitheatre, carved almost naturally by the Shavige Mallige Hills, the international fest of the Dayananda Sagar institutions brought alive the cultural side of students from abroad. The gathering almost brought back memories of the Olympics.

Nigerians, Kenyans, South Africans, Iranians, Nepalis, Tibetans, the students were distinct in their dressing, style and language. Yet, they had fun written all over their faces as the stage lights were switched on for some hi-energy music, dance and drama.

The colleges across town are sure to stage their own exclusive international festivals soon. The season has just begun. If the world is a stage, the performers are right here to capture attention. Watch out for more action.