Utopia 2017 Witnesses 598 Students from Over 23 Countries
Utopia 2017, the International Cultural Fest of Symbiosis Institute
of Business Management (SIBM) Bengaluru saw 598 students from 23 countries come
together to celebrate unity and harmony, that are the foundations of a better world.
The theme for this year was ‘Cynosure’, meaning ‘Centre of Attention’ which also refers to
the North Star. Every year Utopia is celebrated by SIBM Bengaluru to honour the birthday of
the founder of Symbiosis International University, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar who is currently
celebrating his 82nd birthday.
In a world where new walls are built every day, we came together under one roof to
celebrate a world without walls.
The Director, Dr, Rajesh Panda in his inaugural speech said “In a time when there is global
uncertainty and turmoil, we are setting the stage for unity in diversity.”
“Living with people from different nationalities, not only opens up your mind, but also
opens you to new challenges.” said Matic Kasnik, the Chief Guest of the day.
The first competition of the event ‘Danzon’ saw a perfect mix of various dance forms where
the participants set the stage ablaze with their energetic moves. At the same time the
basketball court came alive with the sports lovers sweating it out at ‘Slam Dunk’ (Basketball)
and ‘Joga Bonita’ (Futsal).
This was followed by a street play (Nukkad Natak) dedicated to creating awareness for the
blood donation drive which was organised on the same day by the Social Responsibility
Committee of the college. This year the students collected 226 units of blood breaking their
previous year’s record. One of the iconic events of Utopia was the Mime which transcended
the boundaries of speech and successfully portrayed the angst caused by separation.
The music club of the college ‘Saaz’ performed a heartfelt tribute to the Late Chester
Bennington by performing his famous ‘Numb’. The day needed a splash of glamour and
‘Poise’ - the fashion show provided just that. The participants from various colleges sizzled
the ramp with exotic outfits. The event concluded with an enthralling ‘War of the DJs’ in
which 8 DJs from across the city made everyone dance to their beats.
Pranav Jain, the coordinator of the organising committee said, “SIBM Bengaluru has truly
been the centre of attraction, echoing the theme for this year, “Cynosure”, having
witnessed some spectacular performances throughout the day. It again proved to us that
we really are One World, One Family.”
The fest ended on high spirits as the message of standing together in the face of adversity
resonated through the walls of SIBM-Bengaluru.