As I see the students on the Symbiosis campus, I ask myself, “What role do universities play in their lives?” I often find the answer to be “an all-encompassing one!” Yes, the university where the student is studying and residing becomes the home where the student gains life skills and an arena for innovation through creativity. Universities are not just spaces that create technocrats and skilled workforce but also their personalities. One might think, “How can universities help create such personalities?” This can be done by creating opportunities for students’ holistic growth and providing them with a platform to immerse themselves in activities related to Art and Culture.
Culture and tradition are critical, and we as individuals collectively need to put in the effort to keep them alive. Cultural events play a significant role in carrying on the country’s culture. Some might wonder, “Why should students into technical subjects care about art?” But honestly, art sparks creativity and helps broaden young people’s minds. I studied at BJ Medical College in Pune, and we had a very vibrant ‘Arts Circle’ which would conduct cultural events including theatre, singing, dance etc. One sees people like Jabbar Patel, Sriram Lagoo, Satish Alekar, Mohan Agashe etc who were not only students of BJ Medical College but also our teachers.
At Symbiosis, we endeavour to keep our students abreast of creativity through events such as the Symbiosis Film Festival, where they get an opportunity to witness films in different languages and learn from the others’ experiences. Similarly, the Symbiosis Lit Fest also makes them privy to literature and authors, and by listening to some of the renowned authors at the LitFest, they grow their perspectives, which helps them make better decisions in the future. The Sanskrutik Mahotsav is also an annual event, celebrated every year for three days just before the 26th of January, which is the Indian Republic Day and Symbiosis Foundation Day. Not only does the event celebrate our fantastic cultural heritage, but also, over the years, it’s become a great way for people to feel connected, and with students from more than 85 countries at Symbiosis, it’s been a way for our international students to get to know and appreciate Indian traditions.
The Symbiosis community comes together for three days, creating a strong sense of unity. The event also gives local artists and performers a platform, allowing them to shine and showcase their talents. As it is open to everyone, people from all over Pune come to attend the events over the three days, which becomes a celebration for the entire city.
Therefore, we should keep promoting such events because they help strengthen national pride and identity. They allow people to connect with the values, history, and symbols that define our culture, deepening our appreciation for the heritage that unites us.