Kochi: Colleges in Ernakulam district continue their outstanding performance, securing top positions at the ongoing MG University arts festival Dastak- 2025. The festival is being held at Al Azhar college in Thodupuzha, Idukki. In the latest standings, all five positions were clinched by the colleges from the district, with Maharaja's College establishing a marginal lead in the points tally.
As of March 22, 2025, Maharaja's College leads with 72 points, followed closely by St. Teresa's College Kochi at 66 points. Other notable competitors include Sacred Heart College, Thevara; RLV Government College, Tripunithura; and Union Christian College, Aluva, which fiercely contend for the prestigious titles in various competitions.
The festival commenced on Monday, March 17, 2025, and is set to culminate on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The current edition of this revered event has attracted 6,396 contestants from a whopping 278 colleges, showcasing a wide array of talents across different artistic disciplines.
On Friday, March 21, 2025, participants engaged in a multitude of competitions that included classical music, elocution, Kolkali dance, folk dance, and Chakyar Koothu, amongst others. These events not only bring out the artistic flair of students but also foster a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among various colleges.
In a remarkable moment indicative of the festival's vibrant atmosphere, KP Vismaya, a student from EMS College, encountered a technical glitch during her Kuchipudi dance performance on March 22, 2025. The music abruptly stopped, leaving her anxious. However, showing remarkable resilience, she resumed her performance with renewed energy after the technical problem was resolved, leaving the audience awe-inspired by her grace and talent.
"I was worried when the music stopped, but once I started again, it felt great to perform with full energy," Vismaya expressed, highlighting her determination.
Moreover, Maharaja's College is not just competing to win; it is also striving to uphold the memory of Muhammad Yahiya, a former student who tragically passed away. Yahiya was a remarkable performer who had won accolades at previous festivals. The college has rallied 110 participants to compete in this year's festival in honor of his legacy. This emotional dedication adds an inspiring layer to the festival atmosphere.
Maharaja’s College recently noted, “Every effort we make is in memory of Yahiya.” Such sentiments reflect the underlying spirit of the festival, where remembrance mingles with celebration.
As the days progress, the intensity of competition at the MG University Arts Festival has grown exponentially, reminiscent of thrilling matches in the Indian Premier League cricket. With four college teams in the spotlight, each is vying for the coveted festival title. The points system makes it anyone's game as each performance could swing the balance dramatically.
Additionally, just as the competitions heat up, the festival also fosters unity and friendship among students hailing from different backgrounds. In past events, collaborations have turned into collaborations within competitions, showcasing the essence of togetherness that festivals like Dastak promote.
In addition to a variety of performances, last year's festival saw Thripunithura RLV College triumph in the installation contest, a competition that combines creativity and technical skill. Their team members, Nithin Biju and Sarath Mohan, along with students from SB College, often rejoined in various roles in this year’s iterations, fostering a spirit of continuity and evolution in creativity.
“It's fascinating to witness how familiar faces come back and collaborate under different college banners each year,” said RLV College chairperson. “This festival is not just about competition; it's about forming lasting bonds.”
On March 22, 2025, the university festival became an exemplar of perseverance and determination, as demonstrated by the students of RLV College and Changanassery SB College, who clinched the first and second places in the installation competition respectively. Previous achievements have now fueled their resolve to excel, turning this year’s contest into a battleground of talent.
In conclusion, the MG University Arts Festival Dastak 2025 serves as a melting pot of artistic expression and camaraderie among students in the Ernakulam district, with myriad performances showcasing the incredible talents of these young individuals. As the festival draws near its conclusion, eyes will be on Maharaja's College and other institutions striving for the top accolades, but in reality, every participant stands as a winner of a celebration that transcends competition—a resounding testament to the spirit of youth.
