Student's Council, RIVER

ZEST 2018 – An Interview with the Cultural Secretary…

• Since the culturals are right around the corner, so how is the preparation going?

J: It’s actually going pretty well, I think it’s coming together slowly. There are a lot of new events this year so we’re working hard on those.

A: The preparation is in full swing – from inviting judges to booking dj’s. Honestly the last week went by in a flash and the coming week is even more packed with things to do. After all, it is the most awaited event of the year and everyone on the council is working hard to make sure it goes smoothly.

• As cultural secretaries what events are you particularly excited about?

J: I’m actually kind of terrified and excited at the same time about the whole event. But some of the events I’m most excited about would probably be the fashion show. I think the fashion show really just brings out people’s creativity and individuality. The dances in our college are always just spectacular and Rangoli because we’ve tweaked the rules this time from the usual theme to technique where you have to make the rangoli in the double stroke technique, I’d really like to see how that turns out.

A: Most definitely the fashion show. Also since there are some changes in the rules of the cooking competition which makes it even more challenging than it was before, I’d like to see what the masterchefs of our college come up with. The debate is always riveting to watch, there’s something really entertaining in watching your classmates channel their inner Arnab Goswamis .

• This time around what sets this cultural apart from the previous years?

J: We have more filler games this time – Besides dance off which was introduced last year we have an additional filler game called Robot. The fashion show rounds are more complex and would in turn be more challenging to create costumes for such as the Paradox round for instance. The rules of Rangoli and Cooking have been changed. The participants now have to create dishes according to the cuisine they picked by lots, such as French or Italian – a separate cuisine for each course of meal.

A: One big change this time we made was to make the Zest t-shirts available to not just the council but everyone. Glass painting is a new addition to the list of competitions and I am really excited to see how that goes.

• As the vice chancellor will be inaugurating the culturals this year, what are the aspects of our college would you like to impress upon?

J: Yes, he will be attending the inauguration, I would really like for him to see the Rangoli, flower carpet and dance competitions of our college. Also the Variety as there is so much creativity involved in it and it always leaves an impact.

A: I’d really like to show him the cultural diversity of our college. The first day is designated as traditional so I think that would really highlight the different cultures and regions of our college. I would also like to show him the impressive talent pool of this college.

• And lastly, slightly personal question what would be your advice to the next cultural secretaries?

J: Always try and set a higher bar than the previous culturals. Don’t be afraid to bend the rules, in fact use the previous set up as guidelines and not rules s such. Everyone is going to have a different opinion so listen to everyone but it’s your decision if that opinion is valid or not. It’s okay to compromise and meet opposing opinions halfway. Stay strong and don’t lose your interest or your integrity. Start organizing as early as possible. But mostly just enjoy your job and the view from it. I’d also like to thank our extremely supportive Dean Dr Ramkumar and our associate patron Dr Ajay Kumar who is helping us every step of the way and most importantly my team which is possibly the best team I could ask for.

A: When you take up the post bring something new to the menu- introduce new events or change the rules to really challenge the students and keep it fresh and interesting every year. Be ready to receive criticism for it. But do not be disheartened; just consider it as an occupational hazard.

By Aishwarya S. Habbu & Arya Nair

Rahman Night ‘18

“What cannot be put into words can be expressed through music” – The Mozart of Madras

By Esther

In honour of A. R. Rahman’s 51^st birthday, celebrated on January 6^th, 2018, the Students’ Council of RIVER organized an inter-class solo singing competition. The judges for the event were Dr K. P. Mini, Dr P. K. Mandal and Dr Balagopalan. It was held in the college gymnasium. As always, the programme started with a bang: a crowd-pleasing number group dance. In total there were 13 constants each bringing something with delight after every performance. The contestants managed to capture the hearts of the audience with the most soulful, unique and exhilarating performances.

The results were declared as follows: in the boys’ category, Ashish Tiwary (III year) bagged the first place followed by Manimaran (V year) and in the girls’ category, Reanne Carvalho (IV year) took home the gold while Prajna Bhatt (II year) followed second. Lastly, an impromptu performance from our very own professor Dr Balagopalan ended the evening on a harmonic note.

Truly a good start to the year.

Photograph by Mr. Balagopal (3rd Yr)

Freshers’ Day – 2017-18

A Day that ushers Newbies into College Life and Provides an Opportunity to break the Ice

By Lavanya

To an average first year student, the freshers’ day is a very important day to look forward to. Considering the fact that new students who begin their college life are from varied backgrounds, their confidence levels also vary substantially. Those from the rural backgrounds, not very articulate when it comes to expressing themselves, tend to retreat into a shell. On the other hand, their urban counterparts, though as jittery, are more at ease handling their difficulties and challenges on hand.  However, the Freshers’ day affords a wonderful opportunity for the juniors to come out of their cocoons, shed their inhibitions and gel with the seniors and the teachers alike as never before. It is truly a time for breaking the ice and exploring the world ahead.

It is with this very intention that the Students’ council organized the freshers’ day at our college.

The function began when our dean, Dr Ramkumar, welcomed the first years and  assured them  that he and his dedicated team of staff will do everything possible to equip them so they can face the challenges that lie ahead. Some of the seniors also made short but inspiring speeches where improving intellectual capacity, character building and inculcating social values were touched upon.

This was followed by giving each new student a sapling, (sponsored by the Rotaract Club) that they later planted in the main campus.

After this came the much-awaited cultural events which featured a group dance, a group and a solo song. The biggest winner was the college itself because it could take credit for unearthing a whole chunk of talent in a single group of freshers, in a single day, drawn from all across the country. As for the freshers themselves, each one found an able ally in a senior and a long-term mentor in a teacher of their choice to prepare them for the challenges and the hard realities of life.

 

Photograph by Mr. Balagopal (3rd Yr)

 

Mattu Pongal Celebrations

 

 

 

 

ZEST 2018 – An Interview with the Cultural Secretary…

Since the culturals are right around the corner, so how is the preparation going?
J: It’s actually going pretty well, I think it’s coming together slowly. There are a lot of new events this year so we’re working hard on those.
A: The preparation is in full swing – from inviting judges to booking dj’s. Honestly the last week went by in a flash and the coming week is even more packed with things to do. After all, it is the most awaited event of the year and everyone on the council is working hard to make sure it goes smoothly.

As cultural secretaries what events are you particularly excited about?
J: I’m actually kind of terrified and excited at the same time about the whole event. But some of the events I’m most excited about would probably be the fashion show. I think the fashion show really just brings out people’s creativity and individuality. The dances in our college are always just spectacular and Rangoli because we’ve tweaked the rules this time from the usual theme to technique where you have to make the rangoli in the double stroke technique, I’d really like to see how that turns out.
A: Most definitely the fashion show. Also since there are some changes in the rules of the cooking competition which makes it even more challenging than it was before, I’d like to see what the masterchefs of our college come up with. The debate is always riveting to watch, there’s something really entertaining in watching your classmates channel their inner Arnab Goswamis .

This time around what sets this cultural apart from the previous years?
J: We have more filler games this time – Besides dance off which was introduced last year we have an additional filler game called Robot. The fashion show rounds are more complex and would in turn be more challenging to create costumes for such as the Paradox round for instance. The rules of Rangoli and Cooking have been changed. The participants now have to create dishes according to the cuisine they picked by lots, such as French or Italian – a separate cuisine for each course of meal.
A: One big change this time we made was to make the Zest t-shirts available to not just the council but everyone. Glass painting is a new addition to the list of competitions and I am really excited to see how that goes.

As the vice chancellor will be inaugurating the culturals this year, what are the aspects of our college would you like to impress upon?
J: Yes, he will be attending the inauguration, I would really like for him to see the Rangoli, flower carpet and dance competitions of our college. Also the Variety as there is so much creativity involved in it and it always leaves an impact.
A: I’d really like to show him the cultural diversity of our college. The first day is designated as traditional so I think that would really highlight the different cultures and regions of our college. I would also like to show him the impressive talent pool of this college.

And lastly, slightly personal question what would be your advice to the next cultural secretaries?
J: Always try and set a higher bar than the previous culturals. Don’t be afraid to bend the rules, in fact use the previous set up as guidelines and not rules s such. Everyone is going to have a different opinion so listen to everyone but it’s your decision if that opinion is valid or not. It’s okay to compromise and meet opposing opinions halfway. Stay strong and don’t lose your interest or your integrity. Start organizing as early as possible. But mostly just enjoy your job and the view from it. I’d also like to thank our extremely supportive Dean Dr Ramkumar and our associate patron Dr Ajay Kumar who is helping us every step of the way and most importantly my team which is possibly the best team I could ask for.
A: When you take up the post bring something new to the menu- introduce new events or change the rules to really challenge the students and keep it fresh and interesting every year. Be ready to receive criticism for it. But do not be disheartened; just consider it as an occupational hazard.