Roz-Roz 4.0, The Annual Cultural Magazine of IIT G 2024

Warm greetings to all
my dear students.
It is my pleasure
and privilege to be
part of students and happy to
share my opinion on the spirited
activities of the cultural board.
As the role of culture is certainly
diverse and complex, influencing
various aspects of
individuals and societies, the
understanding the role of culture
is vital for building inclusive and
harmonious societies, promoting
cross-cultural understanding, and
addressing the challenges and opportunities
that arise from cultural
diversity.
With this connection, the
cultural board is enthusiastically
involved in conducting various
Dear Students,
Greetings to all of you!!!
I am immensely pleased
that the Cultural Board
is releasing its annual magazine
during the Performing Arts Festival
(PAF) 2024. The students involved
in the Cultural Board have
done exceptionally well and are
thriving in improving their management
skills and talent around
the year. The Cultural Board comprises
ten active clubs involved in
various extracurricular cultural
activities, including dance, music,
writing, photography, arts, drama,
debate, culinary, etc. Coordinated
by a secretary, each club has responsibly
executed their job, and
I congratulate them for showcasing
their talent and encouraging
cultural activities on and across
campus and so as to provide enriched
ambient to students’ community
to showcase their talent
beyond classroom activities. It is
indeed great to see Manthan - Inter
Hostel Cultural Competition;
Performed Arts Festival - Flagship
event; Virasat - Spicmacay, IITG
Episode ended with high note, Alcheringa
- Cultural Fest of IITG
and Inter IIT Cultural Meet, etc.
While I am proud of ongoing
cultural board activities, having
positive aspects, I am also worried
that the outreach of the cultural
activities to our own students is
very limited and hence causing
sever imbalance in the wellbeing
of the campus. Here are some
general perspectives to improve
on certain aspects to have potential
benefits and significance of
cultural board activities: Promotion
of Cultural Understanding;
Preservation of Cultural Heritage;
Community Building; Educational
Opportunities; Artistic
Expression; Tourism and Local
Economy; Cultural Diplomacy;
Interdisciplinary Connections,
etc.
Wish the cultural team to
have endeavour journey to the
benefit of the campus community.
the younger generation to continue
their legacy. Every year, club
secretaries and senior members
schedule an orientation program
for newly admitted students and
encourage them to get involved in
various extracurricular activities
based on their interests to shape
their all-around development.
Eventually, club members get
opportunities to showcase their
talent not limited to campus but
also outside the institute through
inter-IIT cultural events held annually
by one of the 23 IITs. Various
activities and events conducted
by the students make their lives
vibrant during their stay on campus.
I am grateful to the Students
Affairs section for financially supporting
each club’s requirements.
I wish you all the best and success
in conducting PAF-24 and hope
all participants will cherish the
moments throughout their lives.
1
2

Abhishek Singh Munda
I
am delighted to introduce the
fourth edition of our beloved
“ROZ-ROZ” magazine.This annual
edition beautifully captures
the joy and solidarity that
defines student life at our institution.
From the vibrant gatherings
in the New Sac to the heartfelt
meetings in the club rooms, the
magazine reflects the happiness
and genuine connections forged
within our diverse clubs. It celebrates
the dedication and teamwork
that make these moments
not just memorable, but the very
heartbeat of our shared journey.
In my role as the General Secretary
of the Cultural Board, I take
immense pride in reflecting upon
the extraordinary achievements
of our team this year.
The Cultural Board members
Nirupama.Saanvi and Nived
Hey there, Readers!
It is our greatest honour
to present to you the annual
Cultural Board magazine,
Roz - Roz. This magazine is
the product of a lot of enthusiasm,
commitment and love from our
writing and design teams, who’ve
wonderfully managed to capture
the essence of the various cultural
activities happening here at IITG.
We’re incredibly proud of
their hard work and dedication,
and hope our vibrant cultural
scene continues to flourish in the
coming years.
Well, that’s us. Turn the page
and learn what Roz-Roz looks like
at IITG!
have not only met but have set a
new benchmark for excellence.
Their exemplary leadership and
dedication are truly commendable,
particularly evident in their
outstanding contributions to
events like Virasat and the Inter
IIT Cult Meet. Achieving the 5th
position in this year’s Inter IIT
Cult Meet marks a significant leap
from our 9th position last year.
This accomplishment stands as
a testament to our remarkable
progress and dedication.Their
dedication not only sets an inspiring
example for their juniors
but also ensures that the events
they organize leave a lasting imprint
in the hearts of our students,
creating cherished memories for
years to come.I extend my heartfelt
appreciation to the magazine
team and all the volunteers who
have played a pivotal role in impeccably
capturing the spirit of
our college culture. I encourage
everyone to delve into the pages
of “ROZ-ROZ”. It is a celebration
of our shared journey, reflecting
the vibrant tapestry of moments
that make IIT Guwahati a remarkable
place.
Here’s to the spirit of our
campus and the extraordinary
individuals who contribute to its
richness!
Signing off,
Saanvi Bapat, Editor-in-Chief
Nirupama S, Design Head
Nived Singh, Content Head
3 4

5 6

index
FINESSE
: 09
LITSOC
: 27
CADENCE
: 11
LAMBDA
: 29
MONTAGE
: 13
SPICMACAY
: 31
ANR
: 15
INTER IIT CULTURALS
: 33
PALATES
: 17
ALCHERINGA
: 37
XPRESSIONS
: 19
CAMPUS CHRONICLES
: 39
LUMIERE
: 21
PAF
: 37
DEBSOC
: 23
MAGAZINE TEAM
: 45
OCTAVES
: 25
8
7 8

“TAKE
WHAT
YOU
MAKE”
FRESHERS
ORIENTATION EVENT
nights featuring impromptu goofy
dress-up performances. Along
with the spooky props they constructed
for the Halloween celebrations
this year, they also featured
a face paint and tattoo stall.
The club has been big on collaborations
this year, and something
they wanted to imbibe this
year was ‘giving back to society’,
by conducting donation-drives.
Muskaan strived to celebrate Diwali
by lighting up the faces of the
less fortunate. Additionally, they
visited the Sishugram Girl Child
Care Centre, where they engaged
with the children, teaching them
the art of making greeting cards.
As a gesture of support, the group
distributed art and food supplies
to enhance the well-being of those
they visited.
Being an artist encompasses
more than just creating; it involves
embracing the inherent
messiness that comes with the
process, turning it into a constant
source of activity. One significant
collaborative session
they engage in is not a chore but
a celebration: cleaning the room.
During these cleanup sessions,
the room undergoes a transformation—decor
changes, and the
atmosphere is switched up. There
is also always someone found lying
down dreamily, barely being
the DJ in-charge, while perhaps
contemplating the next stroke of
inspiration. These moments of
joint care for their creative space
become integral parts of their artistic
journey, fostering both
camaraderie and a dynamic
environment for imaginative
expression.
The smell of fresh paint,
squeezed from its tubes,
envelops you with your
first step into the Finesse
room. The rhythmic hum of the
sewing machine, paint splatters
on the working area, the repetitive
click-clack of crochet needles
coming from the corner, the warm
fairy lights, and the scratching of
black charcoal on the board come
together to form a multi-sensory
symphony. Everyone appears to
be weaving their unique tapestry,
crafting a fantasy world with the
medium of their individualistic
and varying choice.
This club proudly stands for
inclusivity, welcoming all who
wish to dip their toes into the
world of fine arts. They start the
year with their famous ‘Take
what you Make’ orientation for
the freshers, Macrame bracelets,
Diary stitching, Stitching, Chunky
Rings, and Giant Jigsaw puzzle
making were part of it all.
Along with their yearly exhibition,
Kirei, they also conduct
several art workshops, including
the Canvas-exchange activity,
where students sit amidst the
green grass and nature, resorting
to creativity to unwind after a long
day of classes. They also host late
evening sketching accompanied
by guitar jam sessions, and movie
KIREI
ART EXHIBITION - PAF 2023
9 10

“DANCE IS NOT JUST AN ART;
IT IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE
SOUL”
CULTURAL MAGAZINE
2024
IITG’S VERY OWN
DANCE CLUB
CADENCE
liberating, and deeply personal.
Cadence, the dance club, is
the haven for those who envision
themselves performing diverse
dance forms beneath the spotlight.
From Bharatanatyam to hip-hop,
Kuchipudi to Kathakali, or spontaneous
freestyles, Cadence embraces
all styles with open arms.
The club serves as a communal
space where members, once
strangers, become a supportive
family united by a shared passion
for dance.
Within Cadence, barriers and
fears dissolve as members collaboratively
teach and learn, fostering
an environment conducive to
personal and artistic growth. One
member reflects, “I had a passion
for dance from the very start, but
it flourished freely after entering
this place.” The club’s relentless
dedication is evident in its multitude
of events, from flash mobs at
Techniche to performances at the
Performing Arts Festival, Alcheringa,
and the prestigious Inter IIT
Cultural-Meet.
The commitment to dance extends
beyond regular hours, with
passionate members rehearsing
from dawn till midnight for various
events, including celebrations
like Diwali, Navratri, and Halloween.
Despite the demanding work-
MOHIT SUMBRUI
Dance, a universal shortcut
to happiness, possesses
the remarkable ability to
transport us to a realm
where worries dissipate with each
beat. Whether in the solitude of
closed hostel rooms, at birthday
parties, or amid pulsating concert
GROOVE
INTER
FLASH MOB
crowds, the transformative power
of dance is undeniable.
Imagine a hall aglow with anticipation,
an audience eagerly
awaiting your performance. As
the lights illuminate, you effortlessly
navigate through songs,
your heart syncing with the
15th APR
28 DEC
31 AUG
HEADED BY
ANANYA SIVAKUMAR
rhythm. The subsequent darkness
is punctuated only by the rapid
cadence of your heartbeat. A momentary
pause ensues, and then
a crescendo of applause erupts,
transforming anxiety into unadulterated
joy. This is the essence of
dance—an art form that is fluid,
GROOVE
INTER
FLASH MOB
load, the adage “Passion drives”
resonates, and the absence of rigid
rules in dance allows for creative
freedom.
Cadence’s practice sessions
focus on achieving impeccable
synchronization among a large
group of dancers, showcasing the
collective result on stage. Countless
opportunities for nurturing
one’s skills exist, with dedicat-
ed workshops on various dance
forms offered throughout the year.
In essence, dance is not just
an art; it is the language of the
soul. So, the next time you feel
the rhythm, don’t hesitate to leave
your chair and dance, allowing
your soul to converse in the universal
language of movement.
UNITED
BY A SHARED
PASSION
FOR DANCE
11 12

and other shoots. This unique perspective
allows Montage members
to document major campus
events, capturing moments for
posterity.
Yash Kamble, the club secretary,
emphasizes that owning a
camera is not a prerequisite for
joining Montage. He reflects on
his journey, stating, “Owning a
camera or not doesn’t really impact
your chances as a photographer.
I had one for a few months
before joining the club, but I had
never really explored it truly until
I started learning from my seniors
in Montage.”
Photography, for Montage
members, is a blend of creativity,
responsibility, and enjoyment.
The power to capture a moment
in the light one perceives it is a
PRAJWALAN
TASVEER - PAF
DIWALI ‘23
Photography is not just
about cameras; it’s about
passion. Montage, the
photography club at IIT
Guwahati, lives by this ethos, believing
that a picture is not merely
shot but crafted. The club remains
bustling with activity throughout
the year, hosting workshops, photo
walks, and club shoots, fostering
an environment where aspiring
photographers can hone their
skills.
The club’s diverse workshops,
including a Camera Handling session
in February and an online
Lightroom editing workshop in
July, cater to both novice and experienced
photographers. Exclusive
offerings such as a Flat Lay
workshop and a Long Exposure
workshop are reserved for Montage
members, providing them
with valuable insights into various
aspects of photography.
Montage organizes two national-level
competitions annually.
Prajwalan, themed ‘Play of
Lights,’ coincides with Diwali,
while the other competition is
a part of Tasveer. Membership
in Montage grants access to the
dark room, and members have
the opportunity to learn camera
techniques from experienced seniors
during street photography
unique skill that defines a photographer’s
artistry. Every moment
becomes a life-altering hit or miss,
and Montage members relish the
challenge.
Tasveer, Montage’s annual
photography exhibition, transcends
mere picture display. It
includes Tasveer Talk, a photography
workshop, and an online
competition. The exhibition features
hundreds of photographs
and photobooks from previous
editions, offering a rich visual experience.
Tasveer serves as the
launchpad for Frames, Montage’s
annual photography magazine,
which incorporates insights from
club members and alumni, along
“THE POWER TO
CAPTURE A MOMENT
IN THE LIGHT ONE
PERCEIVES IT
IS A UNIQUE SKILL
THAT DEFINES A
PHOTOGRAPHER’S
ARTISTRY”
with interviews with photography
experts.
Montage’s commitment to
nurturing photography enthusiasts
goes beyond capturing images;
it is about fostering a creative
community where every click encapsulates
a moment’s essence,
making it timeless.
CAPTURING MOMENTS
FOR POSTERITY
13 14

confidence-building sessions like
Mr. and Ms. Freshers, fostering
interactions among students and
building a foundation for the year
ahead. Through various events,
such as Open-Mic, the club transforms
novices into confident
speakers, emphasizing personal
growth and camaraderie within
the AnR family.
The hard work of every member
has resulted in the evolution
of participation numbers and performances.
Anchorenza has transitioned
from simply being known
to selecting and training the best
performers, contributing to the
enduring passion for oratory in
young minds.
Beyond anchoring, the clubhouses
RadioG, a hidden gem
that extends beyond conventional
podcasts. With stand-ups, improvs,
stews, and more, RadioG
showcases the diverse talents
within the club, representing the
institute with pride in Inter-IIT
Cultural Meets.
Anchorenza and RadioG demystify
the art of public speaking,
encouraging members to view it
as a structured conversation with
friends. Aspiring anchors find solace
in the organized approach,
emphasizing the importance of
practice in overcoming stage
fright. Anchorenza and RadioG
embody a commitment to both
fostering talent and ensuring a
fun, nurturing environment, making
them indispensable cultural
pillars in the campus community.
ADYASA MOHAPATRA
ARPIT RANJAN
“We take fun seriously”
is more
than just a
catchy phrase;
it’s a commitment embraced by
Anchorenza and RadioG. Picture
yourself embodying the charisma
of Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran,
commanding the stage with an
exhilarating connection to the
audience. This is the essence of
Anchorenza and RadioG, where
the art of anchoring transforms
ordinary events into unforgettable
experiences.
The club’s significance extends
beyond mere entertainment;
Anchorenza elevates every
program it touches. As club secretaries
Sidharth and Chahak assert,
good anchoring often goes unnoticed,
but its absence can mar an
entire event. From the Performing
Arts Festival to Alcheringa, Virasat
to Techniche, anchors play a
pivotal role in conducting and
hosting sessions that captivate
and amuse the audience.
For newcomers to the campus,
AnR is an early introduction,
thanks to their exclusive
Fresher’s Intro. The club’s contributions
extend to captivating
videos showcasing life at IIT, a
testament to AnR’s dedication to
editing, scripting, filming, and
conducting interviews, creating
a visual narrative that resonates
with viewers.
AnR’s journey unfolds with
“ANR BECOMES AN
EARLY ENCOUNTER
THANKS TO ITS
EXCLUSIVE FRESHERS
INTRO”
MR. & MS. FRESHER ‘23
“WE TAKE FUN
SERIOUSLY”
15 16

Sounds incredible, right? Their
meets however are usually menu
discussions for the next upcoming
event. This includes a lot of careful
juggling and discussion within the
club. Will a certain dish be loved
by all who attend? Is it feasible
to make? Will it sell well? What
about the ingredients and their
sourcing? After all, there’s more
to food than what you see on the
surface.
This club is a tight-knit but
warm and inviting community
of food lovers, food-creators and
everything in between. The lack
of awareness about this wonderful
family in the college itself was
made up by the recognition they
sought by coming Second in the
Culinary Module of this year’s
Inter-IIT, an incredible achievement
that will inspire the future
culinary masters of IITG in the
years to come.
According to them, the best
memories happen in the kitchen,
and they do wish to expand this
club, and hopefully create a space
of their own in the campus itself,
for their future ventures and expansion
ideas. Till then, campus
junta can look forward to enjoying
more of their delicious treats at
every occasion!
AT PALATES
An event at IIT Guwahati
is an overall multi-sensory
experience. The
sight, the music and of
course, the food, the treat to our
tastebuds. After all, who in their
right mind doesn’t love food? This
is where the Palates club comes in.
So what’s on the menu for today?
Their Signature mouth-watering
Alfredo Pasta, a tangy, zesty Chaat,
Loaded Nachos, aur Mithaas toh
banti hai!
Jugaad is their middle name,
and they are pretty well-versed
in the art of makedo. Recipes
are made with experimentation,
and the experimentors are the
THE BEST
MEMORIES
HAPPEN
IN THE KITCHEN
members of this family. Their
best ones usually start out with
an impromptu visit to the market
complex, shortly followed by ‘ooh
this ingredient seems interesting,
let’s make something with this’,
and finally taking a pantry temporarily
hostage to see what magic
they can create.
They are also very active online
and keep up with sharing
them, adding to our college’s list
of cookbook, so you can always
check out what they’ve been upto.
You are sure to have a taste
of their most recent pantry tinkerings
in their meets, which usually
end up being mini-potlucks.
“JUGAAD IS
OUR MIDDLE
NAME ”
17
18

A
cascade of emotions
and feelings swirling
around, entangling and
engagingthe crowd as
thoughts expres sed through
modulated voices and changing
expressions give the feel of a lifetime.
That’s what drama is. It’s
the presence of pretense.
Living moments within moments.
‘Xpressions’,the dramatics
club of IIT Guwahati is a haven
for drama enthusiasts. Covering
domains from street play, theatre,
monologue to mime and skits,
this club has it all. On entering,
one is surrounded by the zestful
and exuberant aura of drama enthusiasts
indulging in voice practices,
script reading and play rehearsals.
The members are highly
proficient in the art of expressing
a character’s feelings, veiling
their true identities; it feels like
another lifetime. A living memory.
Xpressions is more than just
a community, it’s a family, an
open club consisting of graduate
to post graduate members. The
bond between club members
is everlasting and can surely be
seen by the visiting alumni. They
conduct streetplays, theatre ,skits,
Ghada’. The theatre ‘Saari Raat’,
a psychological drama about a
dreamy woman who is trapped
in a world defined for her and is
striving to live away from reality
is another. However,
Xpressions is not all work and
no play. Apart from jam packed
practice sessions and rehearsals,
they have fun stress-busting
sessions from anything to everything
ranging from impromptu
drama performances, DJ and
game nights, movie screenings,
and making reels to various trips
together. To the club members,
every day at Xpressions is memorable.
Xpressions welcomes ideas
from everyone and strives to
make its performances as creative
as possible. As said by the club
where every emotion
takes the centre spotlight
mime, monologue events all year
around. ‘Tamacheyy’, the ‘Nukkad
Naatak Mandli’ of Xpressions
performed a heartwarming street
play ‘JanmJaat’ against the hatred
of caste and religion in society
on Independence Day. They also
performed the streetplay ‘Kacha
secretary Anurag Singh Rajput, if
Xpressions represented a theme
song it would surely be ‘Wo din
bhi kya din the’.
Many of their plays are self
written and self directed. Bagging
a silver medal in street play and
a bronze medal in stage play at
Inter IIT, Xpressions has reached
great heights of success owing to
their devoted practice sessions
and their zeal to succeed. The
club is a great place to sharpen
your communication, managing
and multitasking skills.
Portraying another’s personality,
showcasing their emotions
and adding a mix of your charm
- that’s what Xpressions is about!
19 20

Furemum publiist gravoc
tatatuium “joining lumiere as crendet a club,
leaving rentert as urninam a familY”
L
ights, Camera, and Chalchitra!
Lumiere, the filmmaking
club of IIT Guwa
hati with its creative and
dynamic aura brings stories to life
through the lens. With its vibrant
and creative atmosphere, Lumiere
invites both movie enthusiasts
and aspiring filmmakers to redefine
reality through the magic of
filmmaking.
Covering every aspect of
filmmaking, from direction and
production to screenwriting, photography,
video editing, screen
lighting, sound design, and color
grading, Lumiere empowers individuals
to bring their creative
ideas to life. The club’s dynamic
approach encourages members to
explore their inner actor, director,
editor, screenwriter, and director
of photography.
Lumiere’s commitment to
fostering talent is evident in its
exclusive six-hour filmmaking
workshop for freshmen, resulting
in the successful creation of four
films. Regular movie screenings
for the campus community and
workshops outside IIT Guwahati
demonstrate the club’s dedication
to cinematic exploration.
Abhishek Gautam, the club
secretary, encapsulates Lumiere’s
spirit by stating, “Joining
Lumiere as a club, leaving as a
family.” This familial bond is exemplified
in events like the twoday
filmmaking night excursion
at the Brahmaputra Ghats, where
members embark on a 24-hour
film shoot, light crackling fires,
and immerse themselves in the
art of filmmaking.
Lumiere’s achievements extend
to winning gold in the Inter
IIT online filmmaking competition,
reaching the pinnacle
through 15 days of shooting and
10 days of editing. Participation in
the 51-hour Inter IIT filmmaking
competition further underscores
the club’s dedication.
Chalchitra, Lumiere’s annual
film festival, is a must-attend
event at IIT Guwahati. From movie
screenings and workshops by
industry professionals to interactions
with notable figures from
the film industry, Chalchitra offers
a holistic cinematic experience.
Lumiere’s collaboration with other
clubs showcases its versatility
and commitment to engaging with
diverse interests.
In the Catharsis Film Festival,
Lumiere secured the award
for ‘Best Visuals’ last June, a testament
to its prowess in crafting visually
stunning narratives. As the
club continues to actively collaborate
and engage, whether you are
a seasoned filmmaker or simply
intrigued by the cinematic world,
Lumiere welcomes you to explore
and contribute to the captivating
realm of film.
LIGHTS, CAMERA,
CHALCHITRA!
ABHISHEK GAUTAM
21
22

On posing the question, “
Who are the last people
on campus you’d want to
pick fights with? ”, many
might say the weightlifters. But
they don’t know the real answerthe
Debating Society of IITG!
What started out as an idea
by a few students in Kameng has
rapidly evolved, taking in more
under their wing every year. A club
of students with a penchant for intellectual
discourse, DebSoc aims
to craft confident individuals who
can ‘stand their ground’ and leave
their mark in the debating scene.
As the club secretary, Mahima,
humorously remarks - “ We are
just a bunch of type-A personalities
“, and the club is home to individuals
who won’t back down.
They excel at both lengthy, heated
parliamentary debates and short
JAM (Just A Minute) sessions,
and enjoy throwing some relaxed
informal discussions into the mix.
The club not only aims to
build strong communication skills
and quick thinking in members,
but also involve others on campus.
“Change my Mind”, conducted
during PAF, remains memorable,
especially to the fresh faces at college
at the time. Campus junta vs
DebSoc went head-to-head in gruelling
battles in order to ‘change
“just a bunch of tYpe a
personalities”
each other’s minds’ regarding a
particular stance. They also conducted
an Open Debate- an invitation
to enthusiasts across campus
to participate in and witness
the flourishing debate culture of
IITG. Further, the club conducted
‘December Discussions’, an
online event throughout December,
wherein new motions were
floated every week on the club’s
Instagram page and ardent debaters
expressed their opinions
for or against the motion in the
comments. The club also spread
its wings by taking part in multiple
online tournaments hosted by
colleges such as BITS Pilani and
IIT Bhubaneswar.
When asked what some of her
most memorable moments were,
Mahima recalls that some of the
most meaningful discussions
she’s had usually take place after
the end of a debate, proving that a
debate never truly ends and lives
on till much after. And as for the
members of the club, they carry
forward the spirit of debate into
their daily lives, facing challenges
with grit, equipped with the skill
and hunger that comes with being
a debater.
23 24

In the Octaves room, a symphony
of harmonious melodies
and cheerful tunes creates
a multisensory epiphany.
Beyond a mere club, Octaves is
a heaven for music aficionados,
embracing genres from jazz and
fusion to classical. Boasting a
diverse range of musical instruments,
from guitars, keyboards,
and drums to flute, dholak, tabla,
and harmonium, Octaves transcends
conventional boundaries.
This community of musicians
supports each other, blending diverse
musical backgrounds, from
hardcore carnatic to classical fusion
and progressive metal. Octaves
thrives on open jamming
sessions, pop-up events, and
auditorium performances. The
club’s strong intra-club bonding
is evident in special themed
events, such as last year’s ‘Nueva
Era’ for freshers, involving meticulous
planning, including song
selection, music store visits, city
tours, and more.
Octaves hosts ‘Sopranos,’ a
classical and western vocal competition,
along with extensive
guitar workshops. Their Independence
Day performance featured
a patriotic setlist, while ‘Zenith,’
“ A wide variety of
personalities coalesce
into a singular
consciousness on stage ”
the club’s showcase event, showcased
extraordinary songs across
genres. ‘Echoes,’ symbolizing the
growth of senior members, and
participation in ‘Rock O Phoenix’
at Alcheringa, demonstrate Octaves’
versatility.
In Inter IIT competitions, Octaves
clinched gold in solo singing,
bronze in pairs on stage, and
6th position in classical solo and
band competitions. Through jampacked
practice sessions, music
store trips, and collaborative song
selection, Octaves offers a haven
for music enthusiasts.
The club secretary Darsan
Sunoj defines rule of thumb for
the Octaves for deciding whether
a song can be performed live as:
Focus on one instrument,
let’s say, the guitars, then imagine
the song without it; With the
guitars removed, focus on the
bass, imagine the song without
that too; Then focus on the keyboards,
imagine the song without
it; If there’s still something left
once all the physical instruments
are out, the song cannot be performed
live.
Additionally, if the song is too
easy and can be prepared rather
quickly, we don’t pursue it since
it doesn’t really help us grow as
musicians.
If you want to sharpen your
music skills, compose your own
song and live your passion for
music, Octaves is the place to be!
25 26

LIT-SOC
TRANSCENDS MERE
BOOK READING
In the intricate realm of imagination,
Lit-Soc emerges as
a sanctuary, a clandestine
doorway hidden in plain
sight beckoning those in search
of a tribe bonded by their ardor
for literature. As the doorknob
turns and you step inside, warm
faces proclaim, “You are one of us
now. Welcome to Lit-Soc, fellow
chosen one.”
The Literature Society of IIT
Guwahati acts as a crucible for avid
book readers, poets, writers,
and open-minded denizens of the
campus. It bridges academic divides,
where Ph.D. and Masters
students coalesce seamlessly
with B.Tech enthusiasts, unified
by their collective love for liter-
her literary horizons. Lit-Soc
transcends mere book reading; it
serves as a haven for the shared
exchange of thoughts and feelings
about literature, transforming the
act of reading into a profound personal
journey.
The debut edition of Lit-Soc’s
Aakhar in February 2023 united
literature enthusiasts for a knowledge-infused
three-day extravaganza.
From the open mic event,
Andaaz-e-bayan, conducted in
collaboration with Anchorenza
and RadioG, to a short story writ-
THE BOOK BE-
COMES A PART OF
YOU
ature. Monthly themed discussions
act as a communal thread,
dismantling barriers and leaving
only a shared passion for literary
expression.
Lit-Soc orchestrates an array
of captivating workshops and
events throughout the year. From
a March Scrabble tournament to
a Kavi Sammelan in collaboration
with Hindi Cell during Hindi Diwas
in September, the club curates
a dynamic calendar for campus
literati. Writing competitions, featuring
diverse prompts, flex the
creative muscles of IIT G’s writers,
with victorious works showcased
proudly on Lit-Soc’s social media
platforms. The club’s foray into
the podcasting realm last year
marked a significant expansion
of its offerings.
Jasmine Paul, the Club Secretary,
reflects on her personal
evolution within Lit-Soc, underscoring
how the responsibility of
organizing events has broadened
SCRABBLE
TOURNAMENT
KAVI
SAMMELAN
“a safe harbour
for your
imagination”
ing workshop by Prof. Debpriya
Basu, Aakhar provided myriad
opportunities for self-expression.
Events like Sookshma Dharma, a
discussion on Mahabharata and
Mythical Quest, introduced fresh
perspectives on timeless subjects.
Lit-fest witnessed substantial participation
in Kavi Sammelan, featuring
four distinguished poets
from outside and even professors.
The Triwizard tournament,
a Harry Potter Quiz competition,
drew participants from both wiz-
litfest:
aakhar
ards and muggles. The heart of
Aakhar resided in Lit-Soc’s Book
Exchange, enabling book lovers to
submit and exchange books based
on genre preferences.
Lit-Soc at IIT Guwahati transcends
the conventional definition
of a literary club; it is a vibrant
community sculpting individual
and collective literary odysseys.
Serving as a sanctuary, it transforms
literature into a shared experience,
traversing genres and
academic backgrounds. Lit-Soc
is more than words; it is a refuge
for literary enthusiasts to flourish
and evolve collectively.
27 28

LGBTQIA+ CLUB
live and let
live !
was it easy to keep Lambda going
and flourishing throughout
these years, and most importantly
making it visible to the very people
who need it. The day of the big verdict
from Supreme court on 6th of
September, 2018 was a big
day for those at Lambda too. Individuals
edging on the ambiguity
of coming out, those shying away
from public eyes and afraid of being
identified turned up in huge
numbers. And we are proud to say
these show-ups continued in the
occasional workshops following
this. Given this inspiration, the
members of Lambda have never
looked back since then. Whether it
be the pride walk of 2022, the celebrations
of Pride month, June, the
Binary Day, the Trans Day or the
grand Verdict Day (6th September),
celebrations in vivid colors
have become almost a
cultural tradition like any other
festival in this club, which is
more like a family. These ‘queer
meetups’ most of the times turn
out to be detailed recounts of
reactions from families and
friends on the members’ coming
out which eventually become
fun and laughter. The tiniest of
things like a painted nail, a piercing
or a heel when liberated to
be worn by a gender who simply
likes and enjoys it, becomes
such a great achievement. “The
joy and warmth of these achievements
can be felt from their eyes”
as Shivangi, an ally and a member
of Lambda
Efforts and sincere attempts
to make people aware and break
through the glasses of prejudice
are ongoing, making this bunch of
cool people an amazing medium
for change in our society. On top
of all these workshops and discussion
sessions, Lambda has turned
out to be closed knit family where
even the culmination of end semester
examination is an excuse
for eat-outs and chats.
Truly, this is what we call unconditional
love and acceptance.
We hope that someday or the other
this fluidity of VIBGYOR will
touch upon not only the hearts of
residents of IIT Guwahati but also
the entire nation and people will
learn to think beyond binary to
live and let live.
DONT BE SOUR, WE’RE
JUST A LITTLE FRUITY
“There’s so much to offer but so little to accept”
We all love the colors of the
rainbow, the VIBGYOR. Yet, when
it comes to us humans to be something
different than black, white
or grey, we shut the doors of our
hearts. Why is that so?
Back in 2018, two courageous
souls took up the initiative
of helping these colors, opening
up a platform to seek and help
bridge the gap of gender identity
and gender expression, here inour
very own beautiful campus. Wondering
what these heavy words
mean? Well, it means nothing
more but to give our fellow humans
a space where they can open
up and not be judged, where they
can be themselves and be treated
nothing different than a straight
boy or girl.
But things are generally not
so simple in our society unfortunately,
up until now. Neither
LOVE IS LOVE
29
30

OK CULTURAL I SHOULD ARTFORMS PUT SOME-
THING ARE A MEANS HERE AND OF I HAVE
NO EDUCATION CLUE PLEASE FOR THE HELP
THIS MASSES POOR SOUL WHAT
AM I DOING THO...
kicked off with a Bharatanatyam
Workshop by esteemed Shivaranjani
Harish ji. The Inaugural
Evening of Virasat featured an
astounding Bharatanatyam performance
Shivaranjani Harish ji,
followed by a mesmerising santoor
recital by Pt. Abhay Rustum
Sopori ji. The melodious santoor
left a lasting impression on the
audience who made their way to
the auditorium for Day 2- Pongal
Special, featuring a soulful Carnatic
vocal performance by Sikkil
C Gurucharan Ji and mesmerising
Kuchipudi dance performance
by Sreelakshmy Govardhanan Ji.
The following day marked the festival
of Makar Sankranti and the
Kite Flying festival conducted in
collaboration with Techniche. The
evening brought Rajasthan to Guwahati
with a fiery Rajasthani Folk
performance by Kutla Khan and
Group. Founder of SPICMACAY
and Padma Shree awardee Dr
Kiran Seth Ji graced the occasion.
Day 4- North East special, featuring
an energising Manipuri martial
arts performance by Thang Ta
group, and enchanting Manipuri
dance performance by Dr. Sinam
and Monika Basu, struck a chord
with the audience.
The team extend their gratitude
and reverence to the artists whose
dedication to their craft touches
the hearts of all those who are
blessed to witness it.
SPICMACAY FORMS A
NATIONWIDE NETWORK
WITHIN WHICH IIT
GUWHATAI CHAPTER
PLAYS A VITAL ROLE
VIRASAT 2024
OK I SHOULD PUT SOME-
THING HERE AND I HAVE
NO CLUE PLEASE HELP
THIS POOR SOUL WHAT
AM CONVENER I DOING THO...
The crowd burst into applause as
the artists bow in exhilaration,
with one club’s undying efforts
behind it all- the SPICMACAY,
IIT Guwahati.
SPICMACAY (Society for the Promotion
of Indian Classical Music
And Culture Amongst Youth) is
a nationwide movement to bring
attention to and promote the rich
culture and heritage of our country.
As the Convenor, Lokesh,
emphasizes cultural artforms are
not just means of entertainment,
but are a bridge between science,
technology and the arts and act
as a means of education for the
masses. SPICMACAY forms a nationwide
network within which
IIT Guwahati chapter plays a vital
role.
The club started the academic year
with a movie screening of Gandhi
to rejoice the occasion of Gandhi
Jayanthi. This was followed by a
Classical Night in collaboration
with Team Lihaaz, a musical acknowledgment
school led by Smt.
Sabarni Dasgupta. The evening
featured a performance by the revered
Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty, one of
the most acclaimed vocalists in
the country. Next up was the annual
Fresher’s orientation in order
to welcome new faces to the club.
Virasat 2024, the flagship event
OK I SHOULD PUT SOME-
THING HERE AND I HAVE
NO CLUE PLEASE HELP
THIS POOR SOUL WHAT
AM I DOING THO...
societY for the promotion
of indian classical music
and culture amongst
Youth
31 32

KOLKATA
“almost killed
us, but it was so
worth it! ”
it was so worth it!”. The outcome
was magical as clubs proceeded to
put up spectacular performances.
IITG proved to be a strong contender,
and the dedication paid
off, bagging medals across various
categories from Mixology to Hindi
Poetry to Online Filmmaking. “We
had absolutely no idea we’d bag
a gold, defeating the top-notch
performers of every year.”, members
of Cadence exclaimed after
their sweeping victory. IITG was
a strong force to be reckoned with,
placing 5th overall.
Soon, however, the meet
came to an end. The journey to
Inter IIT had been a tedious one
and it was now time for a well-deserved
break . Clubs celebrated
their victories amidst the buzzing
atmosphere of Kolkata, with
a resolve to bounce back stronger
and better.
VICTORIA MEMORIAL
As the train screeched to a
halt, the team hopped onto the
platform, weathered from their
long journey. Little did they know,
the real journey was yet to begin.
The Inter-IIT Cultural meet
was hosted by IIT Kharagpur from
26th to 29th December, 2023.
Teams gathered from IITs across
the country to battle it out in the
arenas of music, dance, and more.
For them, this meet served as a
break from the rigorous academics
and a means to bond with a
like minded cohort.
For the cultural clubs, practice
had commenced much earlier.
They’d worked diligently for
months to perfect their crafts.
The winter chill crept in, but club
rooms were still bustling with energy
all through December. Lumiere
participated in the online
filmmaking module, engaged in
the filming and editing process.
From seasoned secretaries to
freshers, an enthusiastic contingent
made its way to Kharagpur.
The journey, they remark, was as
enjoyable as it was nerve-wracking.
Laughter echoed across the
train as club members danced,
sang nostalgic Hindi songs and
played an assortment of card
games. Montage club members
captured the beauty of the journey,
sparing no landscape!
The event spanned over four
days. Octaves members recall
gathering and jamming to songs to
relieve stress in between competition
rounds. AnR members were
often found in a spur of practice
sessions, last minute script changes,
rules discussions and finishers.
Dhwani, the secretary of Finesse,
a club participating six modules,
remarked, “ Almost killed us, but
overall fifth
4 DAYS #1
#2 10 CLUBS
1 GOAL #3
#4 INNUMERABLE MEMORIES
33
34

35 36

“trulY nothing short of
an exquisite dream
come true moment”
In the mythology of some Australian
Aboriginals, Alcheringa
translates to Dreamtime.
However, for those who have
experienced IIT Guwahati’s annual
cultural festival Alcheringa—the
grandest in North-east
India—those three spirited days
and four sublime nights are what
dreams and hopes are made of.
At least that’s what the lore suggests,
but the campus had yet to
experience a full-fledged fest after
the lockdown ended. Most of
us were equal parts skeptical and
hopeful, but Alcheringa’23 made
us believers.
If we were to choose one unforgettable
moment, it would
probably be one of the pro-nites.
Watching big-timers like
The Yellow Diary filled us with
an indie rush just as electrifying
as those EDM beats by DJ and
producer Aerreo. Then there was
Vishal-Shekhar live in front of our
eyes, keeping the Alcheringa legacy
alive. An event this big has everything,
everywhere, all at once.
Perhaps that’s where the beauty
of Alcheringa truly lies; we could
live the fest in our unique ways
and, at the end of the day, share
those beautiful moments with our
friends. Everyone can paint Alcheringa
in their hues of memories.
The 2023 edition was themed
‘Pledge to Persist,’ a worthy caption
for what went on behind the
scenes. Most of the Alcheringa
core team had been a part of the
fest since their first year, yet the
best they had seen was a hybrid
mix of some online competitions
and in-campus pro-nites. The
COVID halt added extra layers of
challenges; the team had to work
from scratch on multiple areas.
Understanding market trends,
sponsorship terms, all while
maintaining relations created
pre and post-COVID, was a big
hurdle. They had ample help from
seniors and alumni, but there are
some things that you only learn
when you make your mistakes.
Organizing different competitions,
coordinating events like the
stunt show and bike display, and
ensuring security despite such a
huge footfall and traffic was an
intricate pirouette of challenges.
Shashwat Methi, the Finance
& Accounts Head, claims, “One
of the biggest issues every year is
the budget. This year, we started
the paid pass system which was a
significant boost to the funding.”
According to the web operations,
the tech landscape of 2019 was
completely unrecognizable for
2023’s needs. Multiple portals
were rebuilt, bugs had to be fixed,
etc. Varun Bharadwaj says, “Being
a Convener requires a bigger drive
than what I was used to in my previous
years. I didn’t have anyone
to report to; I had to be the one to
take initiative and keep up with all
the different teams. There were
clashes often, and we would try
to coordinate and find an alternative.
Mostly, we persisted through
everything, together.”
When a team of students
through their continued efforts
pulls off something as incredible
as Alcheringa, it is truly nothing
short of an exquisite dream-cometrue
moment.
37 38

filled and excitement at the peak,
smiling and
picture-ready faces floated
through the corridors. While some
were busy discussing the next
event they wanted to go to, some
were occupied with finding their
friends. Some behind the cameras,
some in front of them, others carrying
food and drinks much more
than their hands can hold. When
you have friends from different
disciplines or specializations (in
Masters), chances of meeting with
your friends come down to the
bare minimum if it were not for
these festive days. Having gathered
all our “jigad ke tukre”, we
headed towards the lantern flying
event and DJ night at the spot near
the swimming pool. But this walk
was quite longer than usual. Discussing
missed-out events of each
other’s lives and complimenting
and giving critical reviews on everything
from food to dresses to
decorations of the entire campus,
we talked our hearts out on our
way to the next destination. The
WITH A RAINBOW OF COLOURFUL LIGHTS,
VERSATILE RANGOLIES AND A SKY FULL
OF LANTERNS AND FIREWORKS, THIS
FESTIVAL MANAGES TO LIGHT UP EVERY
BIT OF PEOPLES HEART
12 NOV
2023
The sun asked the world
who would take the responsibility
to light up
the world when I am
gone. A small flickering voice
emerged from the little lamp: I
don’t know about the world but
I can do the best I can...
The festival of lights, Diwali is
not restricted to a religious belief
here at IIT Guwahati. With the
rainbow of colorful lights, versatile
rangolis, and sky full of lanterns
and fireworks, this festival
manages to light up every bit of
people’s hearts.
It was 12th November, 2023
a joyous Sunday. Halls of messes
and common areas were already
decked up and geared for the finishing
touches of decorations.
Flowers, lightings, and colorful
papers adorned the walls and
roofs while mesmerizing vibrant
rangolis brightened up the floors.
Each hostel had a different theme
for rangoli making and yes, they
were all neck-to- neck at the competition.
Slowly, the day melted
into dusk and then the evening
which commenced with the Goddess
Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh
puja and aarti. Swarming with
the crowd below and tiny starlike
lighting above, students were
now headed towards the mess.
And why not? An exquisite show
of delights was waiting for us at
the counters of the mess, what we
call the ‘Gala Dinner’!! Stomachs
event had started. Swarms of lanterns
filled the southern sky, and
we gazed open-mouthed to the
infinite black now twinkling with
golden stars. A gush of wind
and these stars drifted to the edges
of buildings and we prayed so that
it wouldn’t get stuck; maybe one of
the rarest moments in time when
everyone wished for something
to soar higher up overcoming all
obstacles.
The DJ platform was already
shining. Floodlights and dancing
green-blue-red lights prepped
up for the drops and beats
with dancing shoes of one and
all. Within no time, the music and
party mode were on in full
swing, and dancers and non-dancers
all put up their freestyles. Of
course, there are not many occasions
when we learn to let go and
take a deep breath to smile at life.
The little cold weather had now
turned to a hot mess and water
was in high demand. We edged
our way out from the crowd and
reached New-SAC to drink water
only to find out what we were going
to miss accidentally. This place
was as beautifully decorated with
just diyas as was any other hostel,
if not more. As you lay in your bed
exhausted at the end of the day,
drowsily staring out of the window
at the kaleidoscope of fireworks on
the horizon that won’t be stopping
anytime soon, you could see it all
again. Your friends’ radiant faces
in the glow of the flying lanterns
as you set them free together. In
that golden light, their eyes shone
with exuberance.
By Medha Paul and
Arpita Ray
39
40

22 OCT 2023 23 OCT 2023
24 OCT 2023
Being just the second edition
of celebrations, there
was an overwhelming response
to the dance workshop.
After 2 days of us gearing up
with our grooves, we were ready
to captivate the floor.
Starting with a bow to Lord
Ganesh as per as ritual, we performed
a delightful Aarti to Ma
Amba.
This was immediately followed
by the formation of long
lines by the attendees awaiting
for their portions of Prasad. The
resulting sugar rush didn’t take
too long to kick in.
The celebrations started with
a dance flash mob showcase by
the organising team, which was
enough for everyone to join in.
The colourful chaniya cholis
twirling, within the concentric
circles that were created, were
further adorned by the coordinated
swaying of hands.The beats
echoed through the festive air, and
the dance floor transformed into
a vibrant tapestry of shared zeal.
With each new song, came a
faster, more intense pace, accompanied
by dashing, stepping onto
each other’s toes and the constant
hustle to keep up.
‘It’s all part of the fun!’ were
usually the words our Gujarati
friends chanted, when we’d step
out to catch our breath only to be
roped back in.
As the evening progressed,
each participant contributed their
unique flair to the traditional Garba
steps.
Standing still for a moment, it
sunk in how people irrespective of
which corner of the country they
were from, all shared the same
infectious energy, reminding everyone
that in the grand dance of
life, diversity is not a challenge
but a harmonious rhythm that we
create together.
By Aditi Yogesh
Everyone who was here
for the Navratri holidays
must have come across
this poster at least once.
Enclosed within gold-adorned
borders, the words “Brahmaputra
Hostel presents Ramleela
stood out boldly even from a distance.
Once the poster had caught
someone’s attention, it was difficult
for a curious passerby to resist
squinting at the details. So that’s
how my friend and I ended up in
front of the illuminated entrance
of the Brahmaputra Hostel.
Reaching the venue, we were
instructed to leave our shoes outside
and directed to the cricket
ground within the hostel. In the
clearing, several blankets were set
out for the audience, and a handful
of chairs for the more important
audience. The stage was lit in
the glow of the spotlight. A depiction
from the life of Lord Rama is
projected in the background as if
a sneak peek for what’s to come.
On the side of the stage, there were
microphones for the voice actors
and a few guys hunched in front
of a laptop, probably responsible
for the audiovisuals. We could
already tell that it was going to
be a hit.
The blankets were semi-filled,
but every moment scores of people
were being ushered in. Once
we sat down, the waiting game
began. Anyone who has been to
a concert or any other live performance
knows exactly what it
feels like- as the seconds drag on
to eternity and you feel yourself
age with every passing breath. It’s
universal knowledge that things
never begin in time, not at least
one hour has passed from the
time mentioned in the poster, and
sometimes could be more. There
were a bunch of guys in saffron
scarves reassuring everyone that it
would be any moment then.
So it did, and it was worth
all the patience. The show commenced
with a brief lamp-lighting
ceremony amidst hollers of the
crowd chanting Jai Shree Ram.
The first scene had all the lights
dimmed slowly, except for one
spotlight focused on a dying Shravan
Kumar lying on the ground.
The narration in the background
announced the arrival of King
Dashrath and the entire scene
unfolded.
Throughout the whole play,
the actors and voice actors did
their part well. Every role was
played by a Brahmaputra Hostel
resident including the female
parts and much to their credit, it
was done wonderfully. The audience
cheered at the exact right
moments and held their breath in
scenes of gravity, the atmosphere
was charged with the echoes of the
sacred name. It’s safe to say every
Indian kid has grown up reading,
watching, and listening to the
tale of Ramayana. The play didn’t
bring any major revelations, but
somehow it managed to hit that
sweet spot between nostalgia and
pride of one’s cultural heritage.
By Medha Paul
41 42

PAF - Performing Arts Festival, is the Cultural Board’s biggest showcase, featuring show stopping performances
and activities from each of the cultural clubs, which launch their flagship events during this
time. Amongst the festivities is the chance for freshers to learn more about the various clubs and understand
where they may flourish during their time at IITG - and also for the entire campus to witness the
incredible artistry of their peers. Whether it’s the music that moves you, or the elegant photography on
display - PAF has something for the creative in all of us.
43 44

45 46

A special thanks to all our interviewees and
Montage, the Photography club for their assistance and
efforts.
Until next time!