UMANG 2025 ANCIENT WISDOM… STILL HEARD!?#

As the year drew to a close, UMANG 2025 unfolded at The Bhawanipur Education Society College. Known as one of Eastern India’s most prominent student-led youth festivals, UMANG has always been synonymous with scale, competition, and high energy. This year, however, it also took on a reflective tone. Students from colleges across the region returned to campus to engage with a theme that felt unexpectedly relevant: “Ancient Wisdom… Still Heard!?#” In an age driven by speed, trends, and technological advancement, the theme posed an uncomfortable yet necessary question—what from the past still deserves our attention, and why does it continue to endure?

The essence of the theme was reflected across the campus through thoughtfully curated spaces that seamlessly merged tradition with contemporary design. Symbolism rooted in age-old philosophies appeared alongside modern interpretations, creating an environment where history did not feel outdated but quietly persistent. The visual language of UMANG 2025 suggested that wisdom does not announce itself loudly; it lingers, adapts, and resurfaces when needed.

Over the years, UMANG has built a reputation for its scale, intense competition, and celebrated personalities, evolving into a platform where students measure talent, ambition, and discipline against one another. That spirit remained intact, with participants striving for recognition and the prestigious title of Star of Umang. What set UMANG 2025 apart, however, was its insistence on introspection—an acknowledgement that progress does not always mean abandoning the past. By listening to echoes of ancient thought within a modern festival setting, UMANG 2025 reminded its audience that while generations evolve, certain truths refuse to fade; they continue to be heard, even when we are not actively listening.

Anchoring the festival both visually and thematically, the main stage stood out for its symbolic design. A verse from the Hanuman Chalisa, rendered in multiple languages, formed a key part of the décor, reinforcing the festival’s theme and highlighting how ancient texts continue to transcend time, geography, and language.

The theme was reflected not just in concept but also in scale. UMANG 2025 expanded to over 95 events, many newly conceptualised to align with ideas of inherited knowledge and cultural continuity. The festival welcomed participants from 94 colleges, including seven outstation institutions, with representation from cities beyond Kolkata. Approximately 6,000 students participated across events, raising the level of competition significantly. Behind the scenes, over 270 undergraduate volunteers from BESC worked tirelessly, ensuring seamless execution across venues and schedules.

The grand celebration commenced on December 25, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. on the main stage. The anchors welcomed the audience as the festivities began, followed by an address from the Rector and Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Dilip Shah, who introduced the theme and vision of UMANG 2025. The Chief Guest, Mrs Rani Chakraborty Debnath—speaker, author, healer, and spiritualist—was felicitated for her contributions and shared insights from her journey that set the tone for the festival. The opening ceremony also featured a powerful dance performance by the Flames Collective of the college based on the Shiv Tandav, resonating deeply with the theme.

A symbolic moment followed as members of the management—including Shri Rajnikant Dani, Shri Miraj D. Shah, Shri Pradip Sheth, Smt. Renuka Bhatt, Smt. Nalini Parekh, Shri Jitendra Shah, Smt. Ameeta Patel, and Shri Bulbul Bhai Shah—were invited to strike the ceremonial gong, officially inaugurating UMANG 2025. Fireworks illuminated the venue, marking a grand beginning to the fest.

Prior to the main festivities, UMANG 2025 featured five Pre-UMANG events—Rifle Shooting, Survival Arena, Tug of War, Fitness Mania, and The Royal Conspiracy—held on December 20 and 21, 2025.

From morning until late evening, UMANG 2025 unfolded across multiple categories. Performing Arts showcased rhythm and movement through events such as Classical Dance, Folk Dance, Antakshari, and Western Band. Literary Arts focused on language and intellect with Hindi Creative Writing, Spell Zell, and the Open Mytho Quiz. Voices in Action included Debate, One-Act Play, and Stand-Up Comedy, allowing participants to engage audiences through wit and narrative.

Management events such as Seal the Deal, Stress Interview, and Auction tested strategic thinking and adaptability. The Sports category featured Anti-Chess, Carrom, and Table Tennis, while Star Events—including Photography, Umang Idol, and the Fashion Show—attracted large audiences and fierce competition. Fine Arts events such as Calligraphy, Monochrome Painting, and Gothic Chit Painting highlighted creativity in quieter yet compelling forms. The Umang Gaming Console featured BGMI, Valorant, and Tekken 7, reflecting the growing prominence of competitive gaming in student culture.

Live music added to the festival’s energy with a high-octane performance by M-Sonic Band on December 27, 2025, drawing a massive crowd to the campus main stage.

UMANG 2025 concluded with its Closing Ceremony on December 28, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. The Overall Winners were announced, with EICASA-EIRC as second runners-up, Techno India University as first runners-up, and The Bhawanipur Education Society College emerging as the winners. The CRs of the respective colleges were felicitated on stage, symbolising teamwork and collective effort. The festival also witnessed the support of over 50 sponsors, contributing to its successful execution.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dilip Shah emphasised that UMANG 2025 marked not an end but the beginning of a new chapter—one that carries forward its spirit, legacy, and vision.

The festival culminated on December 29, 2025, at Northern Park with a grand concert featuring Bollywood playback singer Shaan. With a career spanning over two decades, Shaan’s performance transformed the venue into a celebration of music, nostalgia, and energy. During the concert, Shraddha Singh of The Bhawanipur Education Society College was declared Star of Umang 2025 and Rishi Agarwal was declared Student of the Year; both were felicitated by Shaan. The night concluded with an electrifying set by DJ Dhruv Bhatia, ensuring UMANG 2025 ended on an unforgettable high.

Team Expressions Reporting