If you thought that it was only during college fests that students are at their best, it’s time to think again. With the Christmas season here, the students and teachers are spreading the festive cheer across the campus. From decorating the entire campus, organising choir festivals and making their own cribs to performing skits, some of colleges in the City are pulling all stops to ensure that students take part in the festivities.
Most colleges start the month of December by decorating the campus. Christ University is known for its elaborate decorations. From lights and streamers to stars of all sizes, the campus offers a delightful view after dark. Rajan, who is in charge of the events at Christ University, says that each year, he along with his team work together to make the campus look as different as possible.
“Every block on the campus will have a crib with a different theme. During the first week of December, we had a choir festival called ‘Magnificat’, where we invited choirs from all over the country to perform. As for the decorations, we keep the campus open for public viewing from December 20 to January 1,” he adds.
The spirit in Jyoti Nivas College is a completely different one. Enthusiastic students come dressed in different Christmas colours for almost a week. “We also had a food festival and a choir competition. Many of the students are planning on performing a dance to celebrate Christmas,” says Rochelle, a student.
The teachers too are ringing in the festival. Joshua, the principal of Baldwin’s Methodist College, says, “Some of the staff of the college are busy practising for a skit on the significance of Christmas. I feel this is one time when you can see everybody coming together and doing something special. We will have a Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to our specially-abled students as well.”
Both St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) and St Joseph’s College of Commerce too have planned special programmes leading to Christmas. While the choir has already started performing at various fests and venues, the college will be keeping a crib on the campus and hosting many events.
Pilith, cultural secretary, St Joseph’s College of Commerce, says, “This is the time of the year when the college choir participates actively in carol singing. Apart from that, we have also planned events like ‘Bake the Cake’ and a special treasure hunt, which will have clues related to Christmas.”
With so many things planned out, looks like these events will be a perfect way for the colleges to usher in their winter vacations.