South Asian students who participated in the 8th South Asian University Festival, held at Udaipur were amazed by the beauty of the city of Lakes and Palaces. SAUFEST concluded
on March 11, in fact opened many new chapters in the hearts of visiting youth coming from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and India. Each participant was enriched by one or other way. Some liked the scenic beauty of Udaipur, some was highly impressed by the history, some liked the heritage, some paid homage to past heroes at the Haldighati battle field. Most of the young students were happy interact with their counter parts coming from different nations. The students from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka
were excited to participate in an international event. The complexes of Mohan Lal Sukhadiya University and Pacific University witnessed various academic and cultural activities. The student’s competitive spirit and vigor was visible in all their endeavors.
Literary events, Debate(My aspirations), Symposium(Role of entrepreneurship and skill development among youth of South Asia) and Quiz centered Heritage, History, Architecture, Culture and Environment. Participants of Face painting displayed their love towards colors,
sensitivity and aesthetic sense. The Posters made by students expressed their concern over the environment and advocacy for being human. The theme for clay modeling was ‘Mother and Child’. Most of the students from Science and Literature streams displayed their enormous
talent. ‘On the spot photography’ was one event which attracted a huge lot .Photographer had no dearth of objects and models as to days’ youth always likes to be captured by camera. The photographers did their best. The event ‘Fashion Show’ is most popular activity not only amongst youth but in elders too. Young boys and girls with their traditional attire and improvised fashion wear were very much appreciated by the gatherings at the Vivekanand Auditorium, MLSU and complex of Pacific University. The performing arts presented had a great variety, but mostly by Indian students. Of course Indian dances like Bhangda, Gidda, Faag, Ghoomar, Lawni,Kalbelia,Bihu, Dandia Rass, Bhavai, Kathak and semi classical dances ,Tribal Dangi dance, etc were fascinating .All Indian performances whether dances, Instrumental Music and singing were not only highly enjoyed by the Guests but also documented through video cameras as well as Mobiles. The amazing performance by the Sri Lankan students mesmerized on lookers. Students from Sri Lanka presented a fusion of folk harvest dance which was supported by melodious voice of two girls. Aniqa Nawar from Bangladesh presented scintillating dance on the poetry of
Gurudev Rabirndra Nath Tagore depicting divine love of Radha and Krishna. Aniqa was accompanied by melodious song which was rendered by her fellow student, Shemonty Monjari of BRAC, University , Bangladesh. Students of Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Dhaka presented
Bangla folk songs.Pakistani student, Noman Shehjad, studying in South Asia University , New Delhi sang Hindi filmy song while Nepali student ,Sanjana Avasthi from same University presented solo dance. The students from Bhutan presented Mask dance presented by the monks of monastery to drive away evil spirits. On the whole there were more Indian performances than other SAARC countries. While talking to students, I observed that such festivals
certainly help in enhancing the scope of understanding each others culture. The youth is does not believe in political boundaries. South Asian youth attaining progress also believes in traditional culture. Current market forces and films influence them to a great extent.
