Nishtha Agarwal
Lucknow: In this cold and chilly weather I.T. college’s atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as students, faculty members and alumni came together to celebrate the festive season. Each day of the celebration featured a different theme, with activities ranging from carol singing, tragicomedy to poetry and cantata where students portrayed the story of Jesus Christ and his teachings.
The courtyard was transformed into a wonderland, with twinkling fairy lights draped across trees and colourful decorations adorning every corner. The aroma of hot coffee and plum cake wafted through the air, inviting everyone to gather around and share in the warmth of the season.
The auditorium buzzed with excitement as students showcased their talents through heartfelt performances. Teachers shared inspiring stories that emphasized the importance of community and giving back during this special time of the year. Alumni took a moment to reminisce about their own days on the campus. One of the alumna whose daughter is now a student at the college, said “that returning to the college sends her down the memory lane.” Another one who was part of the choir for five years said ” it was heartwarming to hear the choir and that the memories she made are always in her heart.”
The students from the drama club presented a tragicomedy that captivated the audience with its blend of humour and poignant moments. The performance was followed by a poetry recitation segment, where students shared their work and classic poems that resonated with themes of love, loss and hope. This was further enhanced by a session of bible readings, where students and teachers shared passages emphasizing compassion and understanding. Further we witnessed students performing skits that illustrated key messages like love, compassion and forgiveness. These performances not only entertained but also inspired the audience to reflect on the values that are central to the Christmas celebration.
The next day_College held white gift service a special event that emphasized the spirit of giving. Students were encouraged to bring gifts wrapped in white chart paper, symbolozing purity and selflessness, to be donated anonymously to those in need. The college principal ‘Prof. Panzy Singh’ spoke about the significance of generosity and the gift of Jesus to humanity.
The collected gifts were later prepared for distribution among local families and individuals who could not celebrate this evening and light their houses, spreading joy throughout the community. This left students inspired and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
It was followed by karamchari Christmas a unique event which was to honour the hardworking staff of the institution and their family. This event aimed to express gratitude for their dedication and contribution throughout the year. The Sunday school committee trained the children of the karamcharis for a nativity play, which they performed in front of the college family. Many games were also organised and everyone’s favourite was tug-o- war. The evening concluded with gift exchange.
The subsequent day annual candlelight service of the college turned the campus into a magical setting filled with the sound of Christmas carols, The choir elegantly dressed in white sarees, conveyed the messages through a medley of songs like ‘Love Came Down at Christmas’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘Infant Holy Infant Lowly’, ‘What Child Is This’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, ‘Oho Masih Aya’, ‘See Him Lying’ and ‘Come on Ring Those Bells’. Beautifully intertwined with Christmas cantata which is a form of musical play that originated in the early 7″ century, combining voices, instruments, and often a choir, to narrate the story of Christ’s birth. Which was concluded with the famous ‘Silent Night’. The festive atmosphere had the audience swaying and clapping in unison, embracing the joy and sense of unity that the music brought. After the service the attendees gathered around the bonfire to share Christmas cake and coffee. Teachers and students mingled, capturing the moment with selfies that would serve as long lasting memories. Stories were shared, jokes were exchanged, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable. The celebration ended on a high note leaving everyone looking forward to more shared experience in the future.
