Noopura-2017, the arts festival of Mahatma Gandhi University Union, had a colourful start at Kozhencherry on Monday afternoon.
The five-day arts fete got off with a cultural procession from the St. Thomas College grounds to the main venue at Panchayat Stadium in the town. As many as 5,000 students from different colleges participated in the procession.
Actor Jayaram inaugurated the cultural event at a function held at the stadium in the evening. Addressing the students, Mr. Jayaram said the attack and sexual abuse on a film actor was shocking and highly deplorable.
Women’s safety
He called upon the youth to take every possible effort to ensure protection of girls from such anti-social elements.
Mr. Jayaram recalled his winning the first prize in mimicry in three consecutive years at the arts fete.
University union chairman Ajay Nath presided.
Anto Antony, MP; Veena George, MLA; Annapoornadevi, district panchayat president; George Mammen Kondoor, vice-president; A. Padmakumar, reception committee chairman; and K.C.Zacharia, Principal, St. Thomas College, were among those who addressed the function.
The competitions will be held at seven venues. Apart from the main venue, five other venues have been arranged at St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, and another one at
the MGM Auditorium at Thekkemala.
As many as 5,000 students from 300 colleges attached to the university will participate in the competitions.
Competitions in Thiruvathira, Bharatanatyam, and Mime were held in the evening.
The festival will conclude on Friday.
