The annual cultural fest of IIT Madras (IITM) began on January 6, 2016, with an Indian Classical Music concert. Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performed to the accompaniment of Mridangam and Tabla and mesmerized viewers with his heart touching renditions. Bharatnatyam dancer and actress Rukmini Vijayakumar enchanted the audience with her beautiful performance.

The whole fest was full of street shows, soul stirring dance performances, jaw dropping stunts and more, by artists and students of various colleges. Fine art competitions and events like ‘Face of Saarang’ helped discover the hidden talents of Chennai’s students. Brands opened stalls with special discounts and offers on their products. ‘Panache’, the fashion show, celebrated the diversity in style and tradition in our glamourous country. MRF’s bike stunt show and the evening’s Bollywood Nite featuring music directors Vishal & Shekhar were other centres of attraction.

Apart from these cultural events, the Saarang team also executed its social responsibilities by organizing programmes like Cancer Awareness Conclave in association with the Apollo Hospital. Another event supported feminism, through the ‘Logical Indian – The Social Journalist Contest’. Animal rights organization PETA and FarmDost (an initiative to help farmers by tractor manufacturer TAFE) also found a place in this year’s Saarang. IITM also collected donations for flood relief through various drives.

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