Kanpur, 29 April 2025| The Women's Association (WA), IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Faculty Club, hosted "The Cultural Evening 2025," a vibrant celebration of talent, creativity, and community spirit. The evening commenced on a solemn note with a two-minute silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, underscoring the community's solidarity and empathy during times of national grief.

Following the tribute, tokens of appreciation were presented to esteemed guests. The cultural proceedings were formally inaugurated by Professor Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director of IIT Kanpur, and Mrs. Rachna Agarwal, Patron of the Women’s Association, who lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and spirit of the evening. A highlight of the inauguration was the launch of a collection of memories, Yaadein, penned by Geeta Sharma and Shirolly Anand, after which flute maestro Pandit Pathak was felicitated; he graced the stage with a soul-stirring rendition of Saraswati Vandana, setting a divine tone for the night ahead.

The evening unfolded with a captivating sequence of performances, ranging from classical and contemporary dance to melodious singing, engaging skits, and a powerful theatrical play. The evening's first performance featured a delightful dance routine by Ravi's Group, set to the energetic tracks "Teri Ungli Pakad Ke Chala" and "Meri Maa Pyari Maa Mumma," a heartwarming tribute to mothers performed by the kids. This was followed by a series of captivating performances, including Kathak by Zeeshan's Group, a play by Anamika and Poorwa's Group, Shivaarpanam by Akhila's Group, and a light music performance. Amrita Bhushan, along with Arusha and Zeeshan's Group, presented an engaging dance performance. Prof. Javed Malik enthralled the audience with a soulful song, while Akhila's Group presented another captivating dance-drama performance, Ramayana. Ruchi Singh's melodious song added to the evening's charm, and Amrita Bhushan Group's dance performance was equally impressive. The evening also featured a humorous skit on Sholay and life on campus. The program ended with captivating folk dances from Assam (Bihu), Uttar Pradesh (Kajari), Punjab (Giddha), and Rajasthan (Kalbelia), choreographed by Ravi and Neelima. "The Cultural Evening 2025" was not only a celebration of artistic expression but also a heartfelt reminder of the strength found in unity and tradition, leaving the audience enriched, entertained, and inspired.

The program was concluded with the announcement of new secretary of, Women’s Association, Mrs. Chandana Dutta by the outgoing secretary Mrs. Geeta Sharma.

The Women's Association (WA) of IIT Kanpur is an informal organization representing all women of the IIT Kanpur campus. The Women Association of IITK seeks to give women on the IITK campus an opportunity to interact with others on campus, and celebrate and develop their professional skills. It provides a social platform to the campus community and addresses the issues where women can make a difference.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centres, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.