NEPAM Cultural Show 2019 by North East Students Explore Rich Vibrant Cultural Diversity
Mangaluru: Indeed it was an evening of extravaganza which brought an amalgamation of formal performances, with the aim of showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the country’s North East. The aim of the North East People Association -Mangaluru (NEPAM) aim was to present to the people the true essence of unity and the richness of cultures through various eye-catching performances, from songs, dance and fashion show. The NE students from St Aloysius College, Alva’s College, Nitte and other colleges in Dakshina Kannada unleashed their Rich and Vibrant Cultural Diversity in the form of music, dance and fashion. Truly a extravaganza and unique show with vibrant and bright colors of fashion made the audience simply color-blind. Kudos to all the performers for putting up a colorful show.
Who doesn’t love North East culture and diversity? The audience envisioned the music of the dhol, the tunes of Khasi, the beats of the drums, the historical saga of prominent tribes- And all this, as the audience gazed at pure bliss – the myriad forms of dances like Kabui, Arunachali, Zeiang Naga, Maitei, Mizo etc from North East India! There was sheer ‘culture and heritage’ during this NE cultural festival which emphasized the rich heritage of North East India. This ethnic extravaganza was an ideal platform to showcase the coveted classical and folk dance forms of Northeast India to the other world. Under the gaze of cultural, social, traditional and ethnic show, the Northeast community strives to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony- and this is what the members of NEPAM exactly did by highlighting the traditions and culture through this extravaganza show.
Colours of Culture and Nature, a cultural show of North East India was held at Loyola Hall, St Aloysius PU College, by NEPAM) in collaboration with St. Aloysius College-Mangaluru. The guests of the day were J R Lobo Former MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency, Rev Fr. Dionysius Vas SJ, Rector St. Aloysius Institutions, Mangalore, Dr. UT Ifthikar Ali, Syndicate member-Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. Following invocation, Ms. Kaini Cecilia President of “North East People’s Association, Mangaluru” briefed about NEPAM and thanked the people of Mangaluru for their hospitality and kindness. “The purpose of today’s programme is to connect the unique way of life of North Eastern people with the rest of the country, especially Mangaluru. North East is known for its diverse music, richness of cultures, colours of traditions and the sweet melodies of folklores. I hope this cultural evening will also act as a catalyst to take up important issues associated with the region. Let us all live in unity without even thinking about race, color and creed.” said Kaini.
JR Lobo in his address express his happiness for being invited as the guest for the colourful cultural show of the North East India and welcomed the people of North East to Mangaluru. He asked the students to get more students to Mangaluru as this City is known best not only for education but hospitality, development, and sensible people. “India is a vast country of various cultures, diversity and traditions. And for that matter, Northeast region are vibrant and rich in cultural diversity. But sadly due to the invasion of Western lifestyle, some of the cultures and traditions are vanishing. We need to make sure we keep our traditions and diversity in tact. You have all come from your far Northeast hometowns to Mangaluru- when you go back take with you some good knowledge, talents etc that you learned from your reputed institution, and spread that knowledge and training that you got here among your people in your hometowns.” added Lobo.
Rector Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ encouraged and motivated the students to come out of their comfort zones, get maximum exposure for growth and development and transfer of learning should take place in building the North East when they go back after completion of their education. He also encouraged them to come together more often for various activities and not only for cultural so that none feel loss being away from home. “You Northeast folks are a role model for us in the form of your colors, diversity, culture and heritage. You have all come here to get the best education. Make sure you avail all the benefits that your institution has to offer. We the Jesuit priests at St Aloysius are always ready to help you whenever you need any assistance. Keep your culture rich and vibrant, and may God bless you all.” said Fr Vaz SJ.
Dr. U.T Ifthikar Ali said that he had been to North East many a time and knew the people well as hard working, sincere, honest and kind people. He too encouraged the students to grab maximum during their stay in Mangaluru and assured them of any assistance required by them. Cultural show began with a Ramp walk with traditional attires of the eight North Eastern states, followed by various cultural dances and Modern traditional music.
All those who attended this programme experienced the most vibrant, vivid and intense folk dance, songs, music and forms of Northeast India along with a documentary at the end of the even that emphasized the region’s rich culture and tradition! The cultural event came alive as it offered a feast for the eyes for the audience with different dance forms of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and surrounding areas. Moreover, the traditional showcase in the form of fashion show and the documentary at the end further added to the rich heritage.
In conclusion, watching these performers is ought to reveal the age-old tradition, nuances and finesse, one always marvels at the sheer talent, the art of storytelling and the rich culture that is intrinsic to Northeast India. This marvelous cultural evening by NEPAM featured all of the prominent classical and folk dances from Northeast. Both budding and eminent bands and artistes from across the Northeast showcased their rich, vibrant, cultural ethnicity and diversity through an array of music and dance performances. And if you were a connoisseur of art and culture, this Northeast Cultural Evening was the place to be!