Here are the advantages and motivations behind using this platform of a college fest to make a difference.

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College fests are not just about showcasing talent; students are undertaking socially responsible roles for public and personal benefit

The conventional definition of a college fest has changed, from being just about music, drama and fun, to an event with a purpose.
Socially inclined festivals, give students an opportunity to give back to the community. As students want to be a more active part of society, fests have moved from being a showcase of talent to engines that bring about social consciousness.
This year, most city colleges have added social awareness initiatives to their cultural revelry. Vaibhav Chaudhary, overall coordinator of IIT-Bombay’s cultural festival Mood Indigo, says, “Students have a more developed understanding of the society and its problems these days. We really want to use this as a platform to create an impact. If we start at the college level, we can contribute in a larger way when we’re out in the real world.”

Here are the advantages and motivations behind using this platform of a college fest to make a difference.

1. BEING THE CHANGE
According to Aditya Narayan, joint general secretary, Siesons, SIES College Nerul, the college fest is a common stage, one which unites the students and fosters team spirit. “When a fest takes up a social cause, we have a large workforce of dedicated students who work sincerely to bring about a change.”
Some colleges work independently, while others partner with NGOs to execute these initiatives. “Bringing in an NGO or a formal organisation into the picture gives students access to many resources. This helps make the cause more effective, and have greater impact,” says Chaudhari.

2. CHARACTER BUILDING
Social initiatives also help shape the students’ personalities, in many ways. Students organise these fests themselves, from scratch, and are exposed to various stages of planning, which add to their skills portfolios.

Marie Fernandes, principal of St Andrews College, Bandra, says, “When students organise a college fest, they learn about planning, communication skills, financials and event management. But when a fest gets associated with a social initiative, students learn how to fulfil their responsibilities towards fellow humans. They take keen interest in acknowledging the problems around them and strive to bring solutions. This ensures holistic development.” She adds that this helps instil confidence, dedication and sensitivity in students.

3. BETTER PROSPECTS
Employers are often impressed with gradate
applications if they have been socially responsible, and have been active members of organisation committees.
“Companies look for students who are all-rounders. Having good scores is important, but a student who pulls off a balance between academics and extracurriculars will be preferred,” says N Vaidyanathan, regional general manager, circulation, The Hindu, “A student’s active involvement in social initiatives gives an impression that he or she has the capacity to contribute to the society and is well aware of responsibilities.”

4. MEDIA MANAGEMENT
When a college takes up an initiative, not only does the cause get highlighted in the media, so does the festival. This, in turn, raises the brand value of the fest, which helps in attracting sponsors for the next year.
Students, however, feel that media attention is an added bonus. “Media attention should be seen as an advantage and not the motivation behind taking up a social initiative. Students should take up initiatives solely for the need to make a difference,” says