Kala Mela depicts unity in diversity

WE ARE filled with a sense of pride and happiness to be an integral part of such an extraordinary event which is taking place on the campus of Allahabad University. The confluence of artistes, hailing from varied fields, reminds of unity in diversity and also reminds of our country which is akin to a bouquet of multi-coloured flowers, said Prof RG Harshe, Vice Chancellor, Allahabad University while speaking at the inaugural function of 'Kala Mela' on Thursday. The event was held at Delegacy, Allahabad University.

WE ARE filled with a sense of pride and happiness to be an integral part of such an extraordinary event which is taking place on the campus of Allahabad University. The confluence of artistes, hailing from varied fields, reminds of unity in diversity and also reminds of our country which is akin to a bouquet of multi-coloured flowers, said Prof RG Harshe, Vice Chancellor, Allahabad University while speaking at the inaugural function of 'Kala Mela' on Thursday. The event was held at Delegacy, Allahabad University.

HT Image

"Allahabad University could achieve the national and international status by following the concept of imbibing the progressive ideas and thoughts while still retaining its identity. We will always welcome the new trends and ideas but never forget our roots", said Prof Harshe.

Rita Sinha, chief secretary, Culture and Tourism, UP Government, identified the city as very receptive to new ideas. "Our culture is responsible for the identity we acquire," she said.

Kunwar Brijendra Pratap Singh, president of the State Lalit Kala Akademi, Uttar Pradesh said, art should be related to culture and society. He laid stress on propagating regional arts. Earlier, Prof Harshe inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp. He also released the first edition of the magazine 'Bargad' published by the students of Centre of Photo Journalism and Visual Communication. Prof GK Rai, director, Institute of Professional Studies, delivered the welcome speech and gave details of the activities taking place at delegacy.

Mementos were presented to the guests by Dr Ajai Jaitly, secretary Delegacy and convener of the event. Vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Alok Pant, vice president Delegacy. Dhananjay Chopra, senior journalist and co-convener conducted the event.

Afterwards cultural events were presented by the artistes.

Kala Yatra
SPLENDID SCENE met the eyes at Subhash Crossing on Thursday morning. Colours of unity splayed in the form of huge gathering to start a new journey of 'Kala Yatra', an expedition towards a new identification of harmony and a sense of togetherness. A part of the magnificent cultural fest 'Kala Mela', the Kala Yatra began from Subhash Crossing, Civil Lines. True to its name, the yatra was all set to provide a new identity to the city as the gradually developing 'cultural hub'.

Numerous students, artistes and art patrons participated in the event which started with garlanding the statue of Subhash Chandra Bose. The song 'Vande Matram' of the popular singer and music director AR Rehman played on the occasion added patriotic flavour to the event.

Adding to the colour was the entire Crossing which was embellished with flowers while giving it a festive look.

The presentation by Navy band of the university was yet another attraction of the event. Inclusion of decorated elephant and horses rendered an essence of grandeur to the event.

There was also a musical band of kids which was highly appreciated by the spectators. The students participating in the yatra were holding banners and placards which carried the names of the poets and litterateurs and also their famous compositions.

Famous art critic and painter Prof Ram Chandra Shukla flagged off the yatra. Reciting the song 'Kadam kadam badhaye ja, khushi ke geet gaye ja' the yatra took the route of Hanuman Mandir crossing, Madan Mohan Malviya Crossing, Manmohan Park, University Road and culminated at Delegacy, Allahabad University.

The entire concept revolved around creating the awareness of oneness among the people as the spots falling enroute to Delegacy were all associated with religion, literature, education, etc which reminds that the concept of shared heritage is still alive in
the city.