The 18th Annual Convention at our college was a wonderful week filled with learning, inspiration, and cultural celebrations. Held over six days in the G.R. Auditorium, the event brought together insightful talks and beautiful performances, leaving students and teachers with new ideas and a deeper appreciation for our heritage.
Day 1: Inauguration and an Inspiring Start
The convention began on January 29, 2024, with a heartfelt prayer by the college choir. Our Chairperson, Smt. Sheela Balaji, lit the lamp and shared a powerful message about the importance of building “Emotional Infrastructure” through the path of Dharma. She encouraged students to use their knowledge not only for academic success but also for personal growth and understanding the world around them.
Dr. Raj Vedam, an expert on Indian civilization, delivered an eye-opening session on Antiquity of Indian Civilization. He talked about the rich history and achievements of ancient India, including scientific and mathematical discoveries that shaped the world. The day ended on a musical note with a mesmerizing concert by P. Unni Krishnan and his daughter, Uthara, who performed traditional songs that left the audience spellbound.
Day 2: Discovering India’s Knowledge
On the second day, Dr. Raj Vedam continued his exploration of India’s history, focusing on India – A Knowledge-based Civilization. He explained how much of our past has been misunderstood or forgotten due to colonial influence. The talk encouraged students to think critically about the history they’ve been taught. In the evening, the talented Sri R. Aswath Narayanan performed a Carnatic music concert, featuring the beautiful Pancha Ratna Kritis, which was a tribute to the great composer Thiyagaraja.
Day 3: Ancient Wonders with Dr. Chitra Madhavan
Day 3 featured a fascinating talk by Dr. Chithra Madhavan on the architecture and art of ancient India. Her presentation on the temples, sculptures, and myths of our country gave students a glimpse into the brilliant craftsmanship and spiritual wisdom of our ancestors. She explained how these monuments are more than just structures—they tell stories of India’s rich cultural past.
Day 4: A Deeper Dive into Temple Architecture
Dr. Chithra Madhavan returned on Day 4 to continue her discussion, this time focusing on the architectural marvels of South India, including the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple. Students were captivated by the engineering skills and artistic achievements of ancient builders. The day ended with a soothing flute concert by J.A. Jayanth, which added a touch of serenity to the day’s learnings.
Day 5: Wisdom from Ancient Texts
On the fifth day, Dr. B. Mahadevan gave a thought-provoking talk on the Indian Knowledge System. He explained how ancient texts like the Rig Veda hold deep philosophical and scientific meanings. He also compared ancient Indian engineering feats, such as the Kallanai dam, to other world structures, showing how advanced India’s knowledge systems were. Students were left with a sense of wonder and curiosity about their own heritage.
Day 6: Looking Ahead with Sri J. Sai Deepak
The final day featured Supreme Court lawyer Sri J. Sai Deepak, who shared his personal experiences growing up with India’s cultural values. His talk on Culture, Childhood, and Memories was interactive, allowing students to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. His message was clear—India’s future lies in the hands of the youth, who must balance modernity with tradition.
The grand finale was a stunning dance drama called Agre Pashyami, performed by the Desika Daya Trust and Bharathanjali group, which beautifully showcased the values and traditions of ancient India.
A Week to Remember
The 18th Annual Convention was a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone involved. With a blend of knowledge, culture, and inspiration, the event reminded us all of the deep wisdom that Bharath has to offer and the importance of preserving and cherishing it.
As the convention came to a close, the message was clear: The next generation has the power to lead, guided by the lessons from our rich heritage.
