Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is set to host the 9th Annual International Convention of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) from May 20th to 26th, 2024. This will be the third time the institute has hosted the convention, having previously done so in 1996 and 2014.
The week-long festival of Indian culture brings together over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and the world.Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indian culture, heritage, and ethics through interactions with renowned artists. The convention is exclusively open to registered school and college students, who will be provided with free accommodation and food as they experience the finest classical Indian arts in their full splendor for an entire week.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event, stating, “Culture is the spine of every country. As a country, we are proud of the variety of cultural activities performed across Bharat. SPICMACAY brings all of them to our IIT Madras campus. Looking forward to the events.”
Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean Students, highlighted the active participation of the IIT Madras community in the event, with a team of over 150 faculty members, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars working together to ensure its smooth conduct. He emphasized the significance of the convention as a platform for the IIT Madras community to experience a rich cultural festival for an entire week.
The convention will feature a wide range of activities, including classical music and dance concerts, folk performances, crafts workshops, movie screenings, heritage walks, Shramdaan, early morning yoga, and holistic food. Mr. Radha Mohan Tiwari, National Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing a free experience for all participants, from accommodation to food and workshops. He expressed hope that the convention will achieve its objective and make a positive impact on the lives of the youth.
Suman Doonga, Vice Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, highlighted the importance of the four main pillars that support the organization: Artists, Institutions, Sponsors, and Volunteers. She praised IIT Madras as an eminent institution and a crucial pillar of support for their movement, expressing happiness in collaborating with the institute and hoping for a long-term alliance.
The convention aims to create a unique ashram-like atmosphere to inspire the new generation, aligning with SPIC MACAY’s core purpose of providing every child with an experience of the inspiration and mysticism embodied in Indian and World heritage. The organization’s vision is to reach every child by 2030.
The convention will showcase some of the finest and best artists from all over India, including renowned names such as Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia (Hindustani Flute), Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod), Vid. Padma Subrahmanyam (Bharatanatyam), Vid. Sudha Ragunathan (Carnatic Vocal), and many others.
In addition to the performances, the convention will also feature five-day long workshop intensives conducted by eminent artists and craftspersons in various art forms such as Carnatic Vocal, Gurbani, Sattriya, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Pung Cholom, Purulia Chhau, Hatha Yog, Puppetry, and Dhrupad. Craft intensives in Tikuli painting, Gond Tribal painting, Mughal Miniature painting, Roghan art, Mask making, and Terracotta will also be offered.
The week-long festival of Indian culture brings together over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and the world.Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indian culture, heritage, and ethics through interactions with renowned artists. The convention is exclusively open to registered school and college students, who will be provided with free accommodation and food as they experience the finest classical Indian arts in their full splendor for an entire week.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event, stating, “Culture is the spine of every country. As a country, we are proud of the variety of cultural activities performed across Bharat. SPICMACAY brings all of them to our IIT Madras campus. Looking forward to the events.”
Prof. Sathyanarayana N. Gummadi, Dean Students, highlighted the active participation of the IIT Madras community in the event, with a team of over 150 faculty members, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars working together to ensure its smooth conduct. He emphasized the significance of the convention as a platform for the IIT Madras community to experience a rich cultural festival for an entire week.
The convention will feature a wide range of activities, including classical music and dance concerts, folk performances, crafts workshops, movie screenings, heritage walks, Shramdaan, early morning yoga, and holistic food. Mr. Radha Mohan Tiwari, National Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing a free experience for all participants, from accommodation to food and workshops. He expressed hope that the convention will achieve its objective and make a positive impact on the lives of the youth.
Suman Doonga, Vice Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, highlighted the importance of the four main pillars that support the organization: Artists, Institutions, Sponsors, and Volunteers. She praised IIT Madras as an eminent institution and a crucial pillar of support for their movement, expressing happiness in collaborating with the institute and hoping for a long-term alliance.
The convention aims to create a unique ashram-like atmosphere to inspire the new generation, aligning with SPIC MACAY’s core purpose of providing every child with an experience of the inspiration and mysticism embodied in Indian and World heritage. The organization’s vision is to reach every child by 2030.
The convention will showcase some of the finest and best artists from all over India, including renowned names such as Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia (Hindustani Flute), Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod), Vid. Padma Subrahmanyam (Bharatanatyam), Vid. Sudha Ragunathan (Carnatic Vocal), and many others.
In addition to the performances, the convention will also feature five-day long workshop intensives conducted by eminent artists and craftspersons in various art forms such as Carnatic Vocal, Gurbani, Sattriya, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Pung Cholom, Purulia Chhau, Hatha Yog, Puppetry, and Dhrupad. Craft intensives in Tikuli painting, Gond Tribal painting, Mughal Miniature painting, Roghan art, Mask making, and Terracotta will also be offered.
