Georgia University Students Dazzle At Chamak
The United Indian Student Alliance (UISA) and its members from Emory, Georgia State, University of Georgia and Georgia Tech put together a vibrant cultural program, "Chamak," to celebrate Diwali. The 2005 Diwali Show was held at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts on October 30 and provided students with a platform for their talent.
The show had it all ? comedy, dance and music. Dimpal Bhakta, Umang Malbari, Ankoor Shah and Gopi Ukani hosted the event with an ample amount of humor. The dance performances ranged from Kathak to Garba and the ever-popular Bhangra as several items incorporated a fusion of these dance forms.
The Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Academy presented a soulful Kaja Re, as the performers' florid brown and red costumes complemented the performance. Azaadi concluded the first segment with a Bhangra performance.
The true meaning of Diwali was spelled out for the audience in a "Diwali dance drama" presented by several students from Georgia Tech. This piece was set to the song, Pal Pal, from Swades. It was a re-enactment of the harsh brutalities faced by Sita and how her husband Lord Rama and his brother, Laxman, save her from Ravana.
This was followed by an introduction of the 2005 UISA board members. The president, Samad Mubeen, thanked the audience for supporting the organization each year and for the committee members' hard work. Founded as a non-profit organization in the early '90s, the group aims to "promote unity, friendship and awareness of the rich Indian culture," through such cultural events.
A fusion vocal item was presented by students from Georgia Tech to the song, Jadoo Hai Nasha, from the film, Jism. Tech's all-female dance group, Nazaaqat, danced to Mannate Kare from Paheli and enthralled one and all with colorful outfits and props. Another group, Thufan, danced to songs from old and new Hindi films. The other performances included that by members of Kruti Dance Academy and the dance group, J-U-N-O-O-N, which presented the finale, a Bhangra performance.
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