IITaV’s “Holi Hungama” program at Cinnamon Club in Cheltenham on Sunday 11th March had something for everyone – adults and children alike. Dr Behera, Consul General for India in Victoria was Chief Guest. President of IITaV, Professor Arun Kumar welcomed everyone and mentioned some of the achievements of the young organization during the past year. The entertainment included beautiful songs by IITian Radhey Shyam Gupta and his daughter Kokil. In typical Holi Hasya Kavita tradition, the attendees were entertained by poems written and recited by IITian Subash Sharma who appeared all the way from Brisbane through a live video link. Chief Guest, Dr Behera’s poems in English and Hindi were received with much applause. IITian Dr Nalin Sharda, the excellent Master of Ceremonies, also recited his poem to everyone’s delight.
The group were on their dancing feet with the help of Marshie Rajakumar of Jhoom Bollywood Dance Company. With Marshie’s expert training and suitably energized by “Rang Barse Bhige Chunarwa”, the song made famous by Amitabh Bachan, the IITtaV family quickly became a well synchronized Bollywood dancing troupe! Some of the motivation may have come from the fact that there was a prize each for the best performing male and female Bollywood dancer; these awards were won by Surinder Lamba and Amruta Shree Behera.
A rendition of “Ben”, a song by pop idol Michael Jackson, presented by Aditya Chibber touched most people’s hearts. Not to be outdone, a couple of “nextgen” IITians, Aditi Ghuman and Nimeshika Singh, took to the stage and made an impassioned appeal to include some activities for the younger generation to encourage them to keep coming to these events with their parents. Their proposal to form an IITaV Kids Committee was received with enthusiastic applause and encouragement.
The event ended on a sweet note with desserts and lots of networking. Committee member Dr Raj Rajakumar, coordinator of the event, thanked everyone for making the day a great success.