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Fun for techies at IIT fete

`Saarang' was all fun and entertainment

DANCE ATTACK `Choreo' organised as part of Saarang

IIT - Madras is undoubtedly famous for its pristine campus and unassailable brains. But it is also famous for Saarang. Students form more than 200 educational institutions participate in the festival that is usually held in January.

This year, 32 students from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, took part in the fest. In the mid-90s Saarang was popular among CET-ians and participation was by default.

"We had a game-plan. We decided to try our hand in everything regardless of the competition. Once we consider just our part we would have a better chance," Jayaram K, the CET team leader put it succinctly.

Jam-packed

The fest was jam-packed with events through the five days, from January 25 to 29. The competitive events were grouped under six main heads, namely literary, fine arts, speaking, quizzes, music and performance.

Literary events like Creative Writing, Crossie, Scrabble and Whatz the Word game were unique mutations of their original and understandable self. Debate, Elocution, Extempore and Jam gave even the most seasoned orators a fright. Acoustyz and Decibels - two of the musical events found favour from the thousands strong crowd and Anthakshari was a great pull-off. Saarang boasts enriching performance events like Dramatics, Street-Play, Folklore and Dance. Abhinav, a dancer by inclination, appreciated the quality and remarked, "Choreo is among the toughest competitions because it is very difficult with so many teams participating. How is it possible to point out the best dance?"

On day two, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan and Loy entertained a 7000 strong audience with their top numbers. At one point the OAT- Open Air Theatre - seemed a musical precipice - one fall and no return. Parikrama one of India's favourite rock bands was invited over to perform. The grand finale was the mesmerising rock show by Led Zepplica.

The CET team returned with just one prize, seemingly inconsequential but powerful enough to turn the incumbent tide and urge more youngsters to do more.

VISHNU MENON M

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