By: Prerna Bharti
The spirit of India’s island heritage came alive at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, where the Literary and Cultural Council hosted a day-long celebration marking the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Foundation Day at the Atal Sabhagar.
The event, held under the guidance of Hon’ble Chancellor and Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel showcased a mesmerising blend of literature, art, and folk traditions that reflected the vibrant culture of the island territories.
The program was organised under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Sangeeta Shukla, while Prof. Neelu Jain Gupta, Chairperson of the Literary and Cultural Council, curated and coordinated the event.
A Day of Art, Rhythm, and Reflection
Saturday’s multi-dimensional celebration featured an array of performances and competitions that captured the diversity and heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The program included short film screenings, speech and quiz contests, folk dance presentations, regional exhibitions, and a Rangoli competition inspired by the cultural uniqueness of the islands.
Students vividly depicted the archipelago’s tribal life, maritime history, and national significance through creative expression. The event opened with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by Program Chair Prof. Hare Krishna, followed by traditional island-inspired dance performances that enthralled the audience with colourful attire, rhythmic beats, and authentic tribal melodies.
“A Living Symbol of Unity and Diversity”: Prof. Hare Krishna
In his address, Prof. Hare Krishna highlighted the symbolic value of the islands, saying,
“The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not merely India’s maritime frontier; they represent the living essence of our cultural and spiritual diversity. Through such initiatives, the university promotes national unity, cultural consciousness, and harmony.”
He encouraged students to explore and take pride in every aspect of India’s regional heritage.
Exhibitions and Competitions Highlight Island Heritage
The celebration began with an art exhibition featuring 28 paintings depicting the islands’ natural beauty, sea life, tribal heritage, history, and patriotism, curated by Prof. Neelu Jain Gupta.
A short film screening, organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, offered cinematic glimpses into the islands’ ecology, culture, and colonial past.
In the speech competition, four finalists shared their insights on “Andaman and Nicobar,” judged by Dr Anshu Chaudhary, Dr D.N. Bhatt, Dr Vijeta Gautam, Dr Munesh, and Dr Jitendra.
- Winners: 1st – Tasneef Zaidi, 2nd – Apeksha, 3rd – Hansika, with special mention for Vivek.
A state-themed quiz competition, conducted by Dr D.N. Bhatt, saw participation from 84 students, with 20 contestants scoring a perfect 20.
The folk-dance showcase, coordinated by Mrs Ramita Chaudhary, featured six male and six female dancers from various departments, presenting captivating performances inspired by the islands’ tribal rhythms and folklore.
Distinguished Attendance and Closing Ceremony
The event witnessed the presence of senior faculty members, including Prof. Neelu Jain Gupta, Prof. Krishnakant Sharma, Registrar Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav, Prof. Alka Tiwari, Dr. Jamal Ahmad Siddiqui, Prof. Prashant Kumar, Dr. Vijeta Gautam, Dr. Anshu Chaudhary, Dr. Neha Garg, Dr. D.N. Bhatt, Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, and Mr. Mitendra Kumar Gupta, along with staff and a large number of enthusiastic students.
Expressing gratitude at the conclusion, Prof. Neelu Jain Gupta thanked all judges, coordinators, guests, and participants, emphasising that such programs “strengthen students’ creative expression and foster a sense of cultural pride and national unity.”
She noted that the celebration aligned with the Chancellor’s broader vision of connecting India’s diverse cultural regions with the country’s universities.
The event concluded with the national anthem, group photographs, and felicitation of guests and winners, leaving the auditorium echoing with pride and patriotism.
