Man Bhavan - Youth Festival 2023
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Hello Readers,
This blog is based on the Highlights of Youth Festival 2023 organised by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University on 03/04/05 November 2023. In this blog I am going to share my experience of the Youth Festival and also going to give an outline of various events.
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University organized its 31st Youth Festival, named "Manbhavan Yuvak Mahotsav," from November 3rd to 5th, 2023, and this time, it was hosted by the #Physical_Education_Department of the university.
The Name and theme of Youth Festival :
The name of it was "Manbhavan." The central theme and of the Youth Festival was "#Nari_Shakti_Vandana," inspired by the recently passed Nari Shakti Vandana bill in Parliament. Women from various fields were felicitated, and it was heartening to see more than 1,000 students participating in the festival, with approximately #700 of them being girls, truly embodying the essence of Nari Shakti Vandana.
Inaugration Ceremony :
On November 3rd, the event was organized, and it was attended by M.M. Trivedi, Sagardan Gadhvi, Hetal Mehta, Ami Upadhyay, and Bhartiben Shiyal. The entire program was hosted by two students, and a melodious song was presented by Sagardan Gadhvi.
Additionally, a Stuti performance was delivered by the Kalapath Group with the central theme of Narivandana, featuring songs like "Jay Jay Jag Janni Devi" and "Aygiri Nandini." The guests emphasized the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the overall development of students.
Theme Song :
A special mention goes to the Manbhav Theme Song, which, for the first time, was written by the poet Himal Sir and composed by Chintan Padya.
03 November 2023
The first day featured a variety of activities, including mimicry, skits, bhajans, on-the-spot painting, ekanki (short play), sugam geet (light music), poetry recitation, and folk dance.
Mimicry :
Mimicry, a challenging task, requires participants to use their voices to imitate various sounds, such as those of trains, bullets, helicopters, shankhs, animals, doors, birds, actors, soda bottles, Daklas, bombs, heartbeats, etc. Some participants incorporated rhyming to make their performances extraordinary.
Skit :
The skit covered a wide range of significant topics, starting with India's accomplishments in space, such as Chandrayaan. It then delved into serious issues like unemployment, problems in our education system, and debates about the name 'Bharat.' The performance also addressed challenges in Manipur, alcohol bans, and the poor condition of roads in Bhavnagar.
The skit didn't overlook everyday problems like superstitions or the inaction from the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation. It made a lasting impression on the audience, especially when humorously highlighting issues with the BMC. This included playful jabs at how BMC vehicles always seem to be everywhere except where they are needed, and the construction process in the city turning into a bit of a mess.
The performance also shed light on how these issues can make life difficult, leading to accidents and even deaths. However, it added a humorous touch by pointing out that while these problems create headaches for the public, they ironically generate employment for those fixing flat tires, repairing cars, and working in construction.
The skit also touched on aspects like the value of traditions, online fraud, and the issue of wandering cattle. Despite the messiness and pollution concerns, the performance managed to highlight positive aspects of India's policies. It also didn't shy away from discussing corruption, the positive side of school donations, issues with inflation, and the problem of nepotism.
The skit even questioned the effectiveness of our democracy. It explored the effects of demonetization (when certain currency notes were invalidated) and the complex problems related to pollution. The overall performance captured everyone's attention, painting a clear picture of the numerous challenges and successes we are currently facing. It prompted the audience to contemplate the different issues shaping our world today.
Bhajan :
These were some of the bhajans that were performed there.
- એકલા આવ્યા મનવા, એકલા જવાના
- વીજળીને ચમકારે મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ
- ભક્તિ કરવી એને મેલવું અંતરનું અભિમાન
- નથી મળતા એમને ચુકવવા પડે મોલ સંતના
- કર્મનો સંગાથી રાણા મારું કોઈ નથી
- મને જ્યાં ગમે છે ત્યાં હરું છું ફરું છું
- મોહે સુની સુની આવત હસીં
Using Gujarati words like "મોતીડા પરોવો પાનબાઈ" brings in a bit of the local culture. English literature has its own culture references, and it changes depending on the writer or the story.
If we look at English literature, a poem like "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost talks about being alone and thinking deeply. In regular stories, the Bhajan could be like stories that explore personal journeys, like some novels or essays.
Sugam Geet (light music) :
1. "પાનેતર પેહરાવો, કંકુ છાંટીને."
2. "આપણા જીવતરની આપણી જ વાતોમા."
3. ઠોકરની સાથે લગતાં જો નામ લેવાય છે ઈશ્વરનું."
4. "વેદના તો અડીખમ કંથાર, છતા આવતાં જુવાળ ભલે કોતરે."
5. "કુંચી આપો બૈજી."
6. "કૃષ્ણ તારી બંસરી વહાલી લાગે મને."
These were the songs presented by participants, and Hardi from our department participated in it.
Poetry Recitation :
In this competition, participants are given a subject on the spot and are required to write poetry at that moment, followed by reciting it. The subjects provided were
1. ઉમ્મીદ
2. સમરણની કેડીએ
3. જે કર જુલાવે પરણું
4. મેરી માટી મેરા દેશ
5. બાળપણ
Upasna from our department participated in it. Most of the metaphors used are connected to the given subjects. The themes were pre-assigned, so a majority of the participants wrote on the 'ઉમ્મીદ' subject.
On-the Spot Painting :
The theme of the painting was 'ઉત્સવોની ઉજાવણી, નારશક્તિને વંદન,( Celebration of Festivity, Salutations to Women Power)' and Hina from our department participated in the painting.
FolkDance :
The folk dance performances were fantastic, and each participant showcased our rich culture. There were different forms like Adivasi Ras, Mishra Ras, Prachin Garbo, Arvachin Garbo, Tippni, Hudo, Timli, and many more. These dances require a lot of energy, and the participants wore attractive traditional outfits. The music was lively, with a chorus and singers adding to the excitement. Folk dance always steals the spotlight during the youth festival, making it a vibrant and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Fish tank, flowerpot, and rainy season were the subjects of the paper collage.
04 November 2023
On the second day, there were competitions for Western song solo and group performances, Indian song solo and group performances, Folk song, Lokvadhyvrund, Duha chand, Mono acting, Classical Dance, Classical Singing , Ekanki, On-the-spot photography, clay modeling, Mehendi, Cartooning, Rangoli, and Essay, Elocution.
Lokvadhya Vrund :
Dhol, Nagara, Majira, Khanjri, Tabla, Shankh, Matli, Ghunghru, Ghant, Shehnai, Flute, Dandiya, Daklu, Sitar, Tamburo, Dholki, Kartal, Bin – these instruments were used in the event. The event was inaugurated in Bhavnagar, and the atmosphere created was so magical that it was hard to sit while performance.
Folk song:
1. ભલા ભાણેજડા સરોવર જવાં ત્યાં ઢોલે રમે
2. તલગાજલ છલગાજલ જામનના પાણી
3. કાળી કાળી વાદલી માં જબૂકે વિજળી
4. મણિયારો તે હાલું હાલું થાય રે વિયો
5. હાજી કસમ તારી વિજળી રે
6. સોના વાટકડી રે
7.વાદલડી વરસી રે સરોવર છલી વાલ્યા.
Krishna from our department participated in it. Proper tone is required for singing these kinds of songs, and it reflects our highly valued culture.
On-the Spot Photography :
The subjects for photography in the Youth Festival 2023 were "આજની નારી" (Today's Woman), યુથ ફેસ્ટિવલ 2023, and "કુદરતની સંગાથે" (In Harmony with Nature). Bhumi from our department participated in it.
Clay Modaling : 
Poster Making :
The subjects for poster making were "Vrudhdhoni Seva" (Service to the Elderly), "Pani Bhachavo" (Save Water), and "Kanya Shikshan" (Education for Girls).
Essay:
1. ભારતની અવકાશી હરણફળ - Benefits of India's Agricultural Opportunities
2. કિચનથી કેબિનેટ - નારી તુ ના હરણી - From Kitchen to Cabinet - Woman, You Are Not Weak
3. યુદ્ધો અનિવાર ખરા - War: A Solution Always
4. મૂળનિષ્ઠ શિક્ષણની આગત્યતા- The Necessity of Fundamental Education
5. પ્લાસ્ટિક પ્રદૂષણ: સમસ્યા અને ઉપાયો - Plastic Pollution: Issues and Solutions
These were the subjects for the essay, and Insiya from our department participated in it.
Elocution :
1. આર્ટિફિશિયલ ઇન્ટેલિજન્સ: કેટલું પડકારજનક?
2. યત્રા નર્યાત્સુ પૂજ્યંતે
3. ચાલો વૃધ્ધાશ્રમ ઘટાડીએ
4. પર્યાવરણ અને માનવ: એક સિક્કાની બે બાજુ
These were the subjects for the elocution competition, and Trushali from our department participated in it.
Cartooning :
1.મોંઘવારી
2. ચૂંટણી
3. ગાંધીજી અને જનતા
Cartooning is distinct from painting. It demands a keen sense of humor. A well-crafted punchline is the heart of a cartoon, and the exaggerated figures play a crucial role in highlighting the negative aspects. Creating a cartoon requires a blend of artistic skill, wit, and the ability to exaggerate elements for a satirical impact.
Rangoli :
Mono Acting :
The mono-acting performance was all about showing the tough situations that women face. It skillfully brought out different aspects, depicting the challenges that suppressed women go through. The performance effectively explored the various difficulties that women encounter, providing a compelling and thought-provoking representation.
The mono-acting performance addressed several themes, including the dominance of males, the challenges faced by the third gender, the harsh realities of poverty, and the poignant tale of Radha, who was the mother of Karna. The performance also touched upon issues within college premises and explored the haunting illusion of a mother dealing with the tragic loss of her daughter. Additionally, it included portrayals of "Godse," "Koi Krishna Avatar Nahi Dhare," and a compelling story narrated by a rural girl, emphasizing the importance of conserving stories and experiences. The performance skillfully navigated through these diverse themes, providing a nuanced and impactful representation.
Ekanki :
1. Kashmir Crisis :
In this short play, the darker side of Kashmir is reflected. The people of Kashmir suffer, unable even to obtain the bodies of their deceased husbands. The main character refers to herself as a 'half-widow' because she doesn't know if her husband is alive or not. Every other woman becomes a victim of rape. Women reluctantly agree to remarry not for happiness but for survival.
The play falls within the genre of "drama" or "tragedy," with themes revolving around the harsh realities and struggles faced by the people of Kashmir. Key themes include the uncertainty and anguish surrounding the fates of loved ones, the impact of conflict on women's lives, the tragedy of not knowing the fate of family members, and the survival-driven decisions made by individuals in the face of adversity. Additionally, themes of loss, violence, and the complexities of personal relationships seem prevalent.
2. Laxmi :
In this play, the story revolves around a girl born with four hands, who is initially worshipped by everyone. However, people forget that she is just a girl with dreams like any other child. The girl experiences alienation, and only Madhav recognizes her suffering. Tragically, she becomes a victim of rape by her father-in-law and faces severe abuse. In the end, overwhelmed by her struggles, she takes her own life.
The play falls within the genre of "tragedy," with themes touching upon the consequences of societal expectations, the dehumanizing effects of objectification, alienation, sexual violence, and the tragic impact of such experiences on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.
3. Vat Ek Vyathani:
This play employed a frame narrative, containing stories within stories. Female characters like Sita, Kaikayi, Urmila, and Manthra still endure unchanged situations. Drawing on Virginia Woolf's insight that challenging the oppressive presence in the household is difficult yet necessary, the play explores altered narratives where Sita doesn't go to the jungle, Kaikayi doesn't seek Ram's exile, and Manthra refrains from manipulating Kaikayi.
The genre of this play seems to be a "dramatic narrative" or "modern adaptation. It talks about changing the old stories where female characters like Sita, Kaikayi, Urmila, and Manthra face tough situations. The main idea is to look at these stories from a new perspective, especially focusing on how women are portrayed. It explores themes like giving women stronger roles and challenging the old ways of telling their stories.
4. Ene nahi to Mele :
This play was kind of comedy. Elements of humour were reflected in it from country life.
5. Jo Guzar na Saki Wo Zindagi Humne Guzari Hai :
This play reflected the hardships faced by beggars and orphans who were abandoned. It highlighted the scenario where politicians would donate blankets, but questioned the follow-up actions. The narrative also depicted how a mafia exploited children from the railway station for personal gain. Instances of rape and accidental murder of girls were portrayed in the play."This play falls into the genre of "social drama" or "realistic drama." The themes revolve around social issues, crime, and the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals.
6. Meran :
Romanticism emphasized nature, and many poets and writers saw nature as a living being. Similarly, this play showcases how the forest is alive, and tribal people trust in it. The story is narrated by a pregnant woman who has escaped from society and is trying to survive in the forest with another woman.
This play can be categorized as belonging to the "romantic" or "dramatic realism" genre. The themes of the play focus on nature, the vitality of the forest, and the survival challenges faced by tribal people. It also delves into the transformative impact of the wilderness on characters, particularly the contrast between the primal behavior of men turning animalistic and the women's struggle for protection and survival. In simpler terms, it's like a dramatic story about how nature is alive, and it shows the difficulties tribal people face, especially when men start acting like animals. The main theme is about women supporting and protecting each other in the midst of these challenges.
7. Mahamrutyunjay :
Epic tales and their retellings often attract audiences. Even when we know the story, the way it is retold can be fascinating. 'Paradise Lost' serves as a great example. This play focuses on the conclusion of Krishna's story. Many writers have explored Krishna's narrative, with works like 'Krushnayan,' 'Dwarkano Suryast,' 'Shyam Ekvar Avone Angne,' 'Madhav Kyay Nathi,' and numerous other Gujarati books vividly depicting these scenes.
The protagonist, Krishna's character, is portrayed so convincingly that it's hard not to believe him as Krishna. This play stands out as one of the best, capturing the audience's attention. It emphasizes the idea that whether Krishna or no one comes to save the world, humans have to find a way to survive.
The genre of this play could be categorized as a "dramatic adaptation" or "mythological drama," focusing on the retelling of an epic tale. The themes revolve around the conclusion of Krishna's story, exploring the character of Krishna and the narratives associated with him.
In terms of literary theory, this play seems to align with elements of "mythological criticism" by retelling and interpreting myths. The application of this theory involves examining how the play engages with and reinterprets the Krishna narrative, considering the cultural and symbolic significance of the myth in a contemporary context.
8. Christy Brown :
This play serves as an autobiography of Christy Brown, portraying three stages of his life through characters representing his childhood, adulthood, and old age. Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter, faced the challenge of cerebral palsy, which limited his ability to write or type to using only the toes of one foot. The production effectively utilized props to create a powerful impact."
The genre of this play could be categorized as a "biographical drama" or "autobiographical adaptation," as it is based on the life of Christy Brown. Themes likely revolve around overcoming physical challenges, artistic expression, and the different life stages of Christy Brown.
In terms of literary theory, "disability studies" could be applicable here, examining how the play portrays and explores the experiences of a person with cerebral palsy.
Indian Group Song :
For the Indian group song, a combination of two songs was performed. The first segment featured patriotic songs, and the list included:
1. "Ye Vakt Ki Pukar Hai"
2. "Pranthi Pyaro Bharat Desh Vishal"
3. "Sare Jaha Se Achcha"
4. "Yun Samay Ki Ret Pe Chode Chalo Nishan"
Following the patriotic songs, the performance transitioned to folk songs:
1. "Veran Vahani Vagi"
2. "Koi Ke Odhav Ave, Koi K Madav Ave"
3. "Zulan Morli Vagi"
4. "Othal Padmni"
05 November 2023
Mime :
Mime, a captivating theatrical technique, involves expressing ideas, moods, or portraying characters solely through gestures and bodily movements, all without the need for words. This time around, the theme for mime performances included:
1. Charan Kanya
2. Women Empowerment
3. Para Olympics
4. The Importance of Outdoor Games Over Mobile Games
5.Achievements of India in Various Sectors
In one of the mime performances, the narrative unfolded the story of how male dominance suppresses women, and subsequently, how women find their voice and empowerment. The engaging portrayal aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by women and the empowering journey toward finding their own voice.
The grand concluding ceremony at the amphitheater was graced by West Zone Parliament Member Sejalben Pandya, along with notable personalities like Niren Bhatt, Dilipsinhji Gohil, and other esteemed EC members. As the excitement reached its peak, the first three performers in each event were announced, and the winners proudly received their well-deserved medals and certificates.
In this thrilling moment, KPES College secured the title of runners-up, while the prestigious General Championship was claimed by Swami Sahjanand Cluster of Colleges. Amidst the cheers and applause, I was thrilled to secure the second rank in cartooning, and my senior Trushali earned the second spot in Rangoli.
Reflecting on these three days, they were genuinely remarkable, filled with both enjoyment and valuable learning experiences. The Youth Festival, after all, is a celebration for the youth, and our university, Mahraja Krishnanakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, serves as a fantastic platform for students to exhibit their artistic talents and creativity.
Thank you.
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