A live performance by the Swiss folk sensation Eluveitie which describes itself as “the new wave of folk metal,” and a DJ show by famous Portuguese DJ Diego Miranda (both first time in India) will be among the key attractions of the annual cultural festival of the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT-C) — Ragam — which will get under way on the institute campus at Chathamangalam in Kozhikode on March 26.
The four-day event will showcase a string of events, including dance, dramatics, music, quiz, fine arts, gaming, photography and pro-shows besides competitions in a variety of events, said its organisers at a press conference here on Monday. “With foreign bands playing, Ragam is an international event this time,” said its convener Abdul Wasih.
On Thursday evening, noted filmmaker and screenwriter Sangeeth Sivan will inaugurate the event, which was started as a music competition in 1977 in memory of Rajan, a former student of the institute who lost his life in police custody during the Emergency. Nearly 2,500 students from various south Indian campuses will participate in various competition events held as part of Ragam, a websitehttp://www.ragam.org.in/2015/of which was launched recently on the campus, said Mr. Wasih.
Short-film contest
The short-film competition ‘Take One’ will give an opportunity for budding filmmakers to flaunt their talent and skills while the programme christened ‘Choreo-night’ will showcase some of the better themed and non-themed dance performances in south India, said the organisers. A street play contest, which will provide an open stage for performers to throw light on serious social issues and to raise their voice against injustices, will also be part of the event, they said.
Besides traditional literary events such as debates, extempore, spelling bee and JAM, the annual festival will also feature innovative challenges like ‘Mock Court,’ ‘Reporter,’ and the dictionary-based game ‘What’s the good word.’ The workshop series to be organised as part of the festival will cover a range of areas, including photography, archery and cookery.
While Eluveitie will perform on Friday evening, live performance by playback singer and music director Ankit Tiwari on Saturday and a performance by Portuguese DJ Diego Miranda on Sunday will be some of the other pro-shows of Ragam. Further details of the event can be had on the Ragam website, said the organisers.
