Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 9: The Andaman and Nicobar Inter-College Cultural Fest “Sanskriti-2026” commenced with an inaugural ceremony at the Tagore Government College of Education Auditorium, bringing together students and academic institutions for a week-long celebration of culture and creativity.
Scheduled from April 8 to 15, the festival marks a coordinated effort to provide a common cultural platform for students across higher education institutions in the islands. The opening ceremony drew participation from students, faculty members, invited guests, and members of the public.
The event was attended by L. Kumar, Secretary (Education), and Aditya Sangotra, Director (Education), who joined as dignitaries at the inaugural programme. The ceremony began with a welcome address, followed by remarks from the dignitaries, who acknowledged the initiative to organise an inter-college cultural event aimed at encouraging student engagement and creative expression.
Officials highlighted the importance of such platforms in fostering cultural exchange and providing opportunities for young participants to showcase their talents. The gathering reflected a collaborative effort among institutions to promote cultural awareness and participation within the academic community.
As part of the inaugural day, students from multiple colleges took part in competitions that set the tone for the festival. A Patriotic Song Competition saw participants presenting performances centred on themes of patriotism, reflecting cultural diversity and artistic expression. Students demonstrated fluency and creativity in their renditions, contributing to the competitive spirit of the event.
In parallel, a Rangoli Competition based on the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047” was organised, where participants created designs aligned with the vision of a developed India. The activity drew active involvement, with students using visual art to interpret national aspirations and cultural identity.
The inaugural programme recorded strong attendance and participation, indicating a high level of interest among students and institutions. Organisers stated that the festival will continue over the coming days with a series of cultural events designed to engage participants across disciplines.
The opening ceremony set the stage for the remaining schedule of Sanskriti-2026, positioning the festival as a platform for youth-driven cultural interaction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
