CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, the Faculty of Arts of the prestigious A+ Grade Shri Satya Sai Women’s College organized an inter-college solo light music competition at the college. The Chief Guest of the music competition was Padma Shri Umakant Gundeja. The Special Guests and Judges were Dr. Ashwina Rangnekar (Retd.), Head of the Music Department, Sarojini Naidu Girls’ Postgraduate College, Bhopal, and Pramod Bhatt (Retd.), Tabla Player and Director of Sarojini Naidu Girls’ Postgraduate College and Dwarkadhish Music School. The guests offered floral tributes to the statue of Goddess Saraswati.

The College Director, Dr. Pratibha Singh, and Principal Archana Srivastava welcomed the guests by presenting a sapling, shawl, shrifal (coconut), and memento. In her welcome speech, Principal Archana Srivastava said that music is the music of life and is connected to all of our lives. She explained that music is frequency, and everything has its own music. She further stated that even in emptiness there is music, music is the soul, and every person has their own unique music. She also highlighted the special features of the college.

In her blessings, Director Pratibha Singh said that music is important for life. She mentioned special efforts made toward music during her tenure as principal, stating that music brings joy and energy. She also highlighted the quality of the college and extended her best wishes to all participants.

Chief Guest Padma Shri Umakant Gundeja, in his speech, appreciated Baba’s contributions while emphasizing women’s empowerment. He said that competitions teach perseverance, lay the foundation, and provide guiding principles for success. He added that students who focus on their goals have opportunities for advancement in every field of music, and only by staying steadfast to one’s aim can success be achieved.

Dr. Ashwina Rangnekar highlighted the importance of music, instructing participants to follow the rules of music, maintain proper melody, rhythm, and pure pronunciation. She advised daily practice and learning the nuances of songs, emphasizing foundational knowledge of classical music for singing.

Special Guest Dr. Pramod Bhatt described music as the soul of humans and a practice of life, extending his best wishes to all participants.

The awards in the music competition were as follows:

First Prize: Rishika Prajapati

Second Prize: Riya Pillai

Third Prize: Mahak Goswami

Consolation Awards: Disha Parashar and Krishna Vishwakarma

The first prize winner received ₹1,100 along with a shield and certificate, the second prize winner ₹750, and the third prize winner ₹500, along with certificates.

The competition saw participation from 20 students of various colleges including B.S.S.S College, Sangeet Sadhana Music Class, Shri Satya Sai Women’s College, Bhopal, and Lal Sai Vidya Mandir College. The Head of the Arts Faculty, Malti Joshi, presented bouquets to the guests.

On this occasion, the Principal of the Law Department Dr. Anju Bajpai, Vice-Principal Renu Mishra, Department Head Anita Assaiya of Music, along with all professors, students, and female students were present. The program was successfully conducted by Shri J. Seth, Head of the Political Science Department, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Anupama Chauhan, Head of the Hindi Department. The event was organized by the Faculty of Arts with the courtesy of College Director Dr. Pratibha Singh.

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