Milan 2017: A Cultural Confluence held at SJEC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 26, 2017: ’Milan 2017’ A joint celebration of Onam and Nativity of Mary (Monthi Fest) was held with great fervor at St Joseph Engineering College – Vamanjoor, Mangaluru recently. The occupants of the College campus were welcomed with a colourful “Pookalam” designed by the team of Keralite Students at the Administrative Block Quadrangle. The Management, Faculty, Staff and Students of SJEC gathered in the quadrangle at 8:30 am for a brief Onam celebration.

 

The  significance of Onam was presented followed by a symbolic entry of King Mahabali. Lighting of the lamp was followed by traditional Kerala songs and Thiruvaadhira dance. Sweets were distributed on the occasion. At 10:50 am student organizers of Milan 2017 and their team performed a dance act at the basketball court inviting everybody to the Milan 2017 evening that was held at 4:00 pm. The day was also celebrated as ethnic day with the faculty and students
arrived in their ethnic attire at the Campus.

At 4:00 pm, Milan 2017 – A Cultural Confluence began with a scripted enactment of  significance of Monti Fest and Onam by the Students of AICUF – SJEC. Rev. Rev Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director – SJEC presided over the event. Rev.  Rohith D’Costa, Assistant Director – SJEC, Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, Principal – SJEC, and Dr Rio D’Souza, Vice Principal – SJEC graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. The prayer song was followed a grand symbolic entry of erstwhile legend of King Mahabali. The king arrived at the venue in an open vehicle  escorted by cavalcade and led to the dais with Chenda Melam and Thaalapoli. The cultural  programs then commenced with an elegant Bharatanatyam dance by Ms Mahima and team. The  programs included performances by students showcasing traditional Konkani songs and dances,  Malayalam songs and dances, together with local Mangalorean traditional skit, dance and songs.
AICUF students also distributed payasa as part of the Monti Fest celebrations to the gathering.

One of the key highlights of the cultural program was the “Pili dance” performed by the students  of the College. The event was attended by Students and Staff of the College amounting to more  than 1500. The stage show was followed by the much awaited Sringarimelam, traditional Kerala  band from Kottiyoor – Kannur, Kerala. The energetic performance enthralled the crowd and  soon everyone were on their feet dancing to the rhythm. The event was compered by students, Eden Rose Fernandes and  Hansen D’Silva.

The colorful attire celebrating the ethnic diversity of the SJEC campus, the majestic pookalam, traditional music, and dances, and sweets all added up to the wonderful and energetic  performances of the participants. The talent of SJEC students were on display and the event  symbolized the rich cultural heritage and traditions.  The event was organized by the Press and Media Committee led by Dr Binu K.G., in association  with the Cultural Committee of the College led by Neil Vaz and Ramya M. Special  thanks to  Vinoothan Kaliveer, Alister D’Souza and AICUF Faculty Coordinator Joel  Concessao.