UMANG 2023 – Maze Amaze: Lost & Found in Time

Umang 2023, a four-day extravaganza that spanned from December 26th to 29th, 2023, took center stage at The Bhawanipur Education Society College. The Mega-fest revolved around the theme “Maze Amaze: Lost & Found in Time,” which promised an intellectual and artistic journey that fascinated the minds and hearts of all present. About 65 colleges participated in Umang 2023, including 3 colleges from Bangalore, Bhubaneswar & Bardhawan contributing to an extensive lineup of over 80 events. These events were thoughtfully categorized into distinct departments which included Star Events, Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Literary Arts, Voices in Action, Management Events, Umang Gaming Console, and Sports. For the grand inaugural ceremony of Umang 2023, the college had the honour of hosting Chief Guest, GOC Bengal Sub Area, Maj. Gen H Dharmrajan, AVSM, SM Bar, VSM, accompanied by Major Arjun Lamba. Their presence added a touch of honour and significance to Fest’s effervescence.

The Fest’s entrance corridor portrayed the evolution of human civilization, as it transitioned from mud sculptures to metal and concrete dimensions. On the Main stage, a canvas of thought-provoking artistry depicted the vitality of nature with birds, butterflies, and a real waterfall on one side, reminiscent of the world that previously existed. The other side, represented by concentric circles, revealed the consequences of progress—a ball-bearing game entwined in E waste, buildings, bombs, and pollution. Earth, submerged in waste, featured a clock with a plea to reverse, as it ticked anti-clockwise, depicting the theme of Planet Earth getting submerged in its own creation of waste. An ape-man above all symbolized the primal struggle of the ‘adi-manav’, who is now destroying the toxic urbanization on one side & on the other side the modern-day man’s hustle in destroying nature. This immersive setup epitomized a profound narrative, resonating with an urge to break free from destructive cycles where one is caught in the so-called progress which itself ushers in the spiral of downfall and thus the maze. A spider’s web was also a part of the backdrop!

Among the various events the college hosted in Pre Umang phase that featured a bone-chilling atmosphere, were events like Murder Mystery, Fitness Mania & Tug of War, challenging the inner strength of the participants. This Pre Umang phase also saw participants unveiling the Sherlock within, with Umang Maze, an event, where the quest for an exit into a heart-racing adventure, required the participants to face eight ominous levels of the maze, leading to a gripping experience for those seeking both challenge and excitement.

Management events were a locus where creativity and innovation converged. In this edition of Umang The BESC had in line infusing the marketing theories of Philip Kotler into the tourism sector in the event ‘Kolkata Kotler’ which required a feasible and practical plan proposed by participants, to outlasting distressed situations with poise in Stress interview. Management events have always stirred up interest with their action-packed features like incorporating monopoly into chess or deciphering a murder mystery and even including statistically charged Stock Market. These events depict the unhindered potential of participants and a glimpse into the ever brighter, ever-growing India.

From the dynamic Bollywood group dance to the soulful solo classical dance under the Performing Arts category, each act entertained the audience with energy and enthusiasm on display. The powerful street battle had the crowd cheering fervently and Antakshari and group folk dance weren’t just events, they were a nostalgic bridge to our traditions and childhood. These performances became a heartfelt connection to our heritage, stirring emotions and uniting us in the warmth of traditions.

In the star events department, the stage lit up with the glamor of Mr. and Ms. Umang, along with the pulsating beats of the War of DJs and the War of Rappers, the runway magic of the Fashion Show on themes like Cult, Aqua, Ancient Egypt was an absolute spectacle to witness.

“What If?” The event emerged as a cinematic playground, allowing young minds to reimagine pivotal scenes from famous movies, turning dissatisfaction into creative empowerment. Participants delved into hypothetical scenarios, shaping films according to their imaginative prowess, offering an alternate narrative to the familiar one, like ‘What if’ our technological progress didn’t ironically drown the Earth in e-waste and pollution? The poetic expressions became a tapestry, capturing the essence of being lost and found, creating an emotional landscape where the maze of life intertwines with the amazement of self-discovery.

Umang 2023 brought forth a diverse array of talents whether through the subtle tones of dubbing, the evocative narratives of radio play, the raw vulnerability of mono acts, or the grand narratives of stage plays, these events became emotional odysseys, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experienced the power of storytelling. Each segment brought the power of voice to the forefront, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.

Earth to Art brought forth a unique fusion, as participants painted clay pots, each telling a story of maze amaze – a journey of being lost and found in time or steeped in the richness of Bengali culture. In Quill Quest, participants crafted not just beauty but utility, skillfully transforming quilling paper into practical and aesthetically pleasing handicrafts. Lost in Lines added another layer to this artistic tapestry, requiring participants to cover 75% of their pages with their maze-amaze-inspired doodles. These events formed a statement where artistic hands breathed life into aesthetic pleasures. These Fine Arts events were truly connecting the threads of maze-inspired imagination.

Carrom, pool, and snooker competitions, hosted by the sports department seamlessly required strategic precision and skillful play. Each game, distinct in its rules, united competitors under the umbrella of skillful gameplay, fostering a spirited atmosphere of friendly competition and sportsmanship.

The Umang gaming console department successfully organized tournaments for BGMI, Minecraft, Valorant, and FIFA 23, offering participants an adrenaline rush, intensifying the gaming experience and spirited challenges in strategy, creativity, and digital sports, providing a platform for participants to showcase their skills and passion in the digital realm.
On the second day, Umang 2023 soared with Alo Band, Kolkata’s premier Experimental Rock ensemble. Their distinct sound and high-energy performance conquered the stage, leaving an indelible mark with their unique sonic journey.

As these four days of eclectic enthusiasm ended in the Closing ceremony on 29th December, The Bhawanipur Education Society College emerged as the overall champion of Umang 2023. However, continuing its legacy, it graciously passed on the winning trophy, to St. Xavier’s University taking the lead, followed by St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous). Sofia Parveen of BESC was recognized as the ‘Star of Umang 2023’, for her accolades won in several events she participated in over the course of 4 days, making her entitled to the E Vehicle that was awarded to her towards the end.

After an exciting four-day wait, Umang 2023 came to a captivating end with Mohit Chauhan’s enthralling performance on the evening of December 29th. Northern Park transformed into a musical hub. DJ Dhruv kickstarted the night with afro-jazz and contemporary beats, setting an unforgettable tone. Mohit Chauhan’s soulful renditions like “Nadaan Parindey,” “Sadda Haqq,” and “Tum Se Hi” resonated deeply, evoking a whirlwind of emotions among the audience, ending Umang on a tearful yet joyous note. The excitement and liveliness rippling through the air was unparalleled, as the BESC family saw each other off as they ended the year 2023 on a grand note, only to gear up for Umang 2024 on a national level next year.

Reporter
Tanisha Hirawat
Student
The Bhawanipur Education Society College