Beyond Boundaries: Sambandh 2023's Three-Day Spectacle and the Power of Connection

Title: Beyond Boundaries: Sambandh 2023's Three-Day Spectacle and the Power of Connection"

On October 9, 2023, the Department of Sociology and Social Work inaugurated its annual Sociology fest, Sambandh. Dr. Victor Paul, the esteemed Director of the Centre for Social Action (CSA), spearheaded the inauguration, followed by a speech by our HOD, Dr. Suparna Kar, setting the tone for a three-day celebration of diversity and interconnectedness.

Commencing with a symbolic watering of the plant ceremony, faculty members joined hands, emphasizing collaboration and unity within the department.  The fest unfolded with captivating dance and music performances, lifting spirits and creating an educational atmosphere. The theme for the year was "Cultural Fusion Fiesta," aiming to break down barriers, promote acceptance, and celebrate the unique identity of each culture. 

The diverse lineup of events promised a grand celebration. Over the next three days, i.e. from 9th to 11th October, a total of nine events were organized spread across venues in the entire campus. The events started off with Time Traveler's Symposium, judged by our immensely knowledgeable Coordinator, Mr. Rajeev. A flashmob and open mic, with multiple eager performers set the tone for the next few days. While many came together for art and photography events like Paint a Poetry, a beautiful combination of poetry with painting, a duet concept or Through the Photographer's Lens, an event skillfully made to judge the best picture aligned with the theme of 'Capturing everyday Inclusivity'. These were ways of participants showcasing their hidden creative talent. 

Two events stood out as crowd catchers, events the Association thoroughly enjoyed organizing and the students couldn't get enough of it. Treasure Hunt was scheduled for 10th October and had a whopping total of 136 people, findings clues that had been meticulously placed at all the hot spots of the CHRIST Central Campus. Keya Pattavi, Shriansh Chakraborty, Arnav Mishra and Sneha Das from 1MAIS emerged victorious since they reached the final clue first and sent a complete image of the Sambandh puzzle. 66 students took part in the Blindfolded Conversation event. Participants engaged in 10-minute dialogues without revealing their identities. The decision to disclose afterwards added an intriguing element of surprise. This innovative event not only broke communication barriers but also created a platform for authentic connections and potential future interactions.

The last day was packed with an Art Exhibit where students could display materials, paintings, or objects that reminded them of their culture. Fusion Frenzy Battle, our last event held at Sky View, brought together people of all backgrounds, as they chose to dance and sing and represent their cultures. It was a beautiful experience for all those in the audience. In conclusion, Sambandh 2023 marked a cultural extravaganza, reflecting dedication to celebrating diversity, fostering unity, and creating an inclusive environment for all. 

Celebrating cultural richness and encouraging understanding among diverse communities, Sambandh 2023 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. By fostering a three-day celebration of diversity and interconnectedness, the event promotes inclusivity, breaking down barriers and providing a platform for authentic connections. Initiatives like Blindfolded Conversations and Fusion Frenzy Battle create opportunities for individuals to engage irrespective of background, contributing to a more inclusive and equal society.