50 colleges lock horns at BMS Utsav

BANGALORE: When the flavour of youth oozes out without a valve control, what one witnesses is a fest that has been around for 25 years. B M Sreenivasaiah College of Engineering, popularly known as BMS, kick-started its flagship student-managed fest ‘Utsav’ on Tuesday. The 25th edition of Utsav — a four-day fest that cuts across music, theatre, photography, gaming, dance, sports and technology — will see participation from more than 50 colleges in and around the city. The enchantment of being a part of a fest which is clearly one of the biggest campus fests in the state, is apparent on the  part of organisers and participants. Popular Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep, who was present at the inauguration of Utsav, reminisced his days as an engineering student and his participation in ‘Utsav’. “I have participated in Utsav as a student, and lost. Today, I am glad that I am inaugurating the fest as a chief guest,” said Sudeep. Swarmed by students all over the free space, there was clearly little that the faculty could ask or tell the students. Sudeep concurred to this. “Over the next four days, there will be no rules. You can hug each other and your principal will not do anything,” said Sudeep amidst loud cheers from the students, while Dr K Mallikharjuna Babu, the principal, laughed helplessly. Sudeep, at the event sang a verse from Mussanje Maatu’s hit number Yenagali Munde Saagu Nee. The inaugural function proved to be a treat, good enough for the participants, with actor and model and actor Ragini Dwivedi sharing the stage for the inauguration. Chairman of the BMS Education Trust B V Acharya, music composer Gurukiran and playback singer Chaithra were also present during the function. The highlight of Utsav this time around is Whiplash — Battle of the Bands, a fierce competition for rock/metal bands. One of India’s better-known music acts Junkyard Groove will headline the music extravaganza this year, while other bands play it out for survival. “I have always respected Utsav for the way it is organised. I love the gaming section, and I am eager to play Counter Strike,” said Aveesh Kumar, a participant. While another participant Supreet said, “Organising a fest like this for 25 years straight is not a joke. I am here for Whiplash, eager to see Junkyard Groove live in action.”