Cultural Council Contributions and Achievements

Under our rousing series "Secretary Spotlight", we present to you a stirring interview with our "General Secretary of Cultural Affairs" where the crucial questions on transparency, execution of inclusive events, selection of contingents, cultural collaborations and the regular conduction of workshops are answered and illuminated upon. This post provides an insight to the working of our institute's cultural department and it's accomplishments!

1.Transparency in Managing Event Funds

The cultural council maintained meticulous records of all approved budgets, expenses, and funds collected from students. These records, along with supporting bills and expense proofs, were submitted to both the treasurer and the Students’ Welfare Office, ensuring they were accessible to any student for review. Additionally, I personally addressed student inquiries regarding expenses through email, sharing detailed breakdowns whenever requested. We were, and absolutely will be, committed to transparency and ensuring accountability in fund management.

2. New Events and Competitions Introduced

Under my leadership, the cultural council introduced several new and vibrant events, including a Dahi Handi celebration, an authentic Ganesh Chaturthi event, and a traditional Garbha night. We also revived the General Championship (Inter-Branch) competitions, which had been discontinued the previous year. Furthermore, we organized a Christmas workshop and hosted the SPICMACAY regional conference, bringing classical Indian cultural activities to our campus. These initiatives enriched the cultural landscape of the institute and catered to diverse student interests.

3. Timely and Inclusive Events

To ensure smooth execution, an events calendar was meticulously planned at the start of the semester, taking into account the cultural and religious significance of various activities and their respective budgets. While cultural competitions were occasionally delayed to accommodate other events, every planned activity was eventually conducted. From classical workshops to modern art forms, the events spanned a wide range of interests, encouraging maximum participation. We also enhanced the campus ambiance with decorations that added to the cultural vibe, leaving students mesmerized by the festivities.

4. Unbiased Selections for Contingents

Selections for contingents were conducted with utmost fairness. Only students with proven merit in previously held college events or significant expertise in their field were chosen to represent IIT Dharwad. This ensured that our representatives were well-qualified and adequately prepared for external competitions.

5. Cultural Collaborations

The cultural council actively collaborated with a variety of organizations and groups to enhance the cultural experience on campus. We worked closely with the sports office and invited campus security and NCC/NSS volunteers to assist in the seamless execution of patriotic celebrations such as Independence Day and Republic Day. These collaborations ensured the events were conducted smoothly while fostering a sense of unity and national pride. Furthermore, we partnered with SPICMACAY to host Indian classical workshops and engaged local businesses for event decorations and entertainment setups. We also encouraged students to take initiative in organizing culturally significant events like Kannada Rajyotsava, Christmas, and Easter celebrations. Workshops promoting traditional languages such as Sanskrit and external judges invited for their expertise added further value to our cultural activities.

6. Workshops and Training Sessions

Workshops were a cornerstone of our preparation strategy. We organized sessions to train participants for Inter-IIT competitions, Garbha dances, and music performances. SPICMACAY workshops exposed students to the rich heritage of Indian classical arts, ensuring that cultural appreciation and preparation went hand in hand.

7. Contributions to a Vibrant Campus Culture

When I took office, student participation in cultural activities was minimal. Through consistent planning and execution of regular events, the council created a buzz around campus. Our efforts significantly increased student engagement, and many now eagerly anticipate future cultural activities. This transformation has made IIT Dharwad a more vibrant and culturally active space.

8. Challenges and Solutions

One of the primary challenges was obtaining timely approvals from the concerned authorities, which often led to event delays or cancellations, particularly for club-led initiatives. Even after approvals, payment delays disrupted event planning and execution. Despite these hurdles, we improvised and ensured that most events were conducted successfully. Moving forward, I hope these administrative processes are streamlined to enable smoother cultural operations.

To check out General Secretary Cultural Affairs(2024-25) Manifesto, click here!

The views presented above are the blogger’s own and are not in any manner representative of the views of Drishti or IIT Dharwad in general.