Escaype 2024

Date: 8th Feb, 2024 to 17 Feb, 2024
Venue:  LJ University 

Introduction

LJ University transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration as it played host to ‘ESCAYPE’, a 10-day Cultural Fest that captivated hearts and minds alike. From the 8th to the 17th of February 2024, students from all corners of LJ University came together to revel in the joyous spirit of cultural diversity and artistic expression. 

The ‘ESCAYPE’ Cultural Fest marked a significant milestone in LJ University's history, uniting over 300 plus students performing on one stage from diverse departments in a celebration of cultural richness and artistic talent. LJ Institute of Media and Communication (LJIMC) also played a pivotal role in shaping the fest's success, showcasing its commitment to fostering creativity and community spirit.

Objectives:

❖     The ‘ESCAYPE’ Cultural Fest aimed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among students through engaging group activities.

❖     The fest aimed to provide students with opportunities for artistic expression, skill development, and collaboration across various creative disciplines.

❖     ‘ESCAYPE’ also aimed to make students learn practically the significance of meticulous planning, diligent execution, and effective teamwork in achieving successful outcomes.

❖    The fest was organized to offer students memorable entertainment combined with valuable lessons to enhance their overall learning and growth. 

Event Details:

The 10-day extravaganza featured a diverse array of events and activities, where more than 300 plus students participated and performed with all the enthusiasm and dedication devoted to one of the biggest cultural events organised till now at LJ University, each highlighting different facets of cultural expression and artistic endeavour. From themed dress-up days to mesmerising performances, ‘ESCAYPE’ captivated audiences and provided a platform for students to showcase their talents. Each day offered unique experiences, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere on the LJ University campus.

Event Highlights:

Day 1: Group Day- Uniting in Harmony  (8th Feb):

On the first day of ‘ESCAYPE’, students kicked off the festivities with a Group Day celebration across all the departments of LJ University, where unity in diversity was definitely a highlight of the event. Themes such as the green colour dress of a group represented an environment amiability, some wearing yellow colour representing happiness, amongst the other groups included purple colour dress theme representing creativity. The LJIMC students, along with their faculties, donned their black t-shirts and blue denims to symbolise unity and solidarity.

Now, the inaugural day themed as Group Day of the ‘ESCAYPE’ on LJ University’s stage was also filled with spontaneous displays of talent and camaraderie. On the second half of the day students from diverse departments took the stage, showcasing their hidden talents through dance, song, rap, mimicry, etc. LJIMC bachelor group engaged in a lively quiz, testing their friendship bonds to the delight of the audience. Guiding the festivities with charm and energy was Sanskruti Jain, an esteemed LJIMC alumna, anchoring the two-hour spectacle with grace. The event marked the beginning of a vibrant celebration of talent and unity within the LJ community. 

Day 2:  Character Day -Embracing Cinematic Nostalgia (9th Feb):

LJ Campus came alive as students transformed into beloved Bollywood characters, effectively turning LJ into a microcosm of Bollywood magic. Capturing the essence of Indian cinema with meticulous costumes and spirited performances, students brought iconic personas like Ram from 'Ram Leela', Akshay from 'Phir Hera Pheri', Padmavati from 'Padmavat', and also the trio of Raju, Farhan, and Rancho from '3 Idiots' to life. LJIMC students too vividly portrayed characters such as Anjali from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', Meena and Rahul from 'Chennai Express', Alizeh from 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', and Geet from 'Jab We Met', showcasing their passion for cinematic heritage. 

Again, on the second half of the day, LJIMC students took to the stage in a mesmerising ramp walk, including Safeena from 'Gully Boy', Nisha from 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun', and the retro looks of Amitabh Bachchan from 'Zanjeer' and Thakur from 'Sholay', creating a tapestry of colour and creativity, showcasing their meticulously crafted looks, followed by students from other departments. Sanskruti's professional hosting added charm to the event, while LJIMC students brought beloved characters to life on stage. The diverse interpretations, coupled with spontaneous acts and heartfelt performances, enriched the celebration, leaving an unforgettable mark on all who attended.

Day 3: Traditional Day - Honoring Cultural Richness (10th Feb):

Amidst a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and rhythmic beats, LJ University grounds blossomed into a magnificent spectacle on Traditional Day, marking the third day celebration of ‘ESCAYPE’. The air was filled with the infectious energy of celebration as students, and their faculty members, came together in a joyous display of cultural unity. Bedecked in traditional garba, the LJ community swayed and twirled to the melodious tunes of 'Mandli Raas', immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Indian heritage and tradition. LJIMC’s talented student, Harsiddh performed live on stage by reciting ‘chhand’ a traditional Gujarati poetry,  usually difficult to recite in one breath. 

Against the backdrop of laughter and camaraderie, the presence of esteemed guests Shraddha Dangar and Raunaq Kamdar from the movie 'Kasoombo' added an extra sparkle to the festivities, infusing the event with a touch of star-studded glamour. Guiding the proceedings with finesse and grace, Sanskruti Jain ensured that every moment was cherished, leaving a lasting impression on all who gathered to celebrate the spirit of Traditional Day at LJ University.

 Day 4-8: Engaging in Creative Pursuits:

Throughout the week-long ‘ESCAYPE’ extravaganza, LJ University became a hub of creativity as students, including those from LJIMC, immersed themselves in a range of artistic pursuits. Under the guidance of expert mentors, they honed their skills through dedicated rehearsals led by professional choreographers, sound artists, and modelling experts. LJIMC students, along with their peers from other departments, invested countless hours of practice, refining their techniques and perfecting their routines for the anticipated events. With a rigorous and more than 30-day practice regimen, they meticulously prepared for a three-hour program slated to dazzle audiences during ‘ESCAYPE’.

As excitement mounted for the live concert and grand finale showcasing the culmination of weeks of talent development—passes became highly coveted commodities. Sold out in record time, these passes granted students and their families and friends  exclusive access to witness the culmination of their peers' hard work and dedication. With excitement building to a fever pitch, ‘ESCAYPE’ promised to deliver an unforgettable celebration of creativity, talent, and camaraderie, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of LJ University's diverse student body.

Day 9: Live Concert (16th Feb):

On the exhilarating evening of Day 9, ESCAYPE treated attendees to a sensational Live Concert that reverberated with electrifying performances and infectious energy. The eve commenced with the charismatic RJ Megha taking the stage, captivating the audience of nearly 5000 students and faculty members with her exceptional anchoring skills. She enlivened the atmosphere with a spirited quiz on 'Aapnu Ahmedabad', engaging participants in a fun-filled exploration of the city's cultural heritage.

Following the lively introduction, Raag Mehta and Zalak Mehta, accompanied by their talented troupe, took centre stage, setting the audience's hearts racing with their electrifying performance. The concert showcased a diverse range of musical genres, from soulful melodies to high-energy beats, captivating the audience with their mesmerising talent. The dynamic performances, coupled with the enthusiastic response from the audience, created an unforgettable experience that left everyone in awe. Amidst cheers and applause, the Live Concert on Day 9 of ‘ESCAYPE’ concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Day 10: A Spectacular Showcase (17th Feb):

The grand finale of ‘ESCAYPE’ marked a culmination of talent, creativity, and pride as LJ University's students took centre stage to showcase their remarkable practices. With over 30+ institutes under its banner, LJ University celebrated its rich heritage and visionary leadership, paying tribute to founder B.M Peerzada Sir. The three-hour extravaganza was a testament to LJ's commitment to excellence, with students delivering awe-inspiring performances that left the audience spellbound. From electrifying dance routines to soulful musical renditions, including live fashion shows, live aerial performances, and captivating live bands, each act reflected the vibrant spirit of LJ's diverse community. LJIMC students, in particular, shone brightly, demonstrating the depth of talent within the department and contributing significantly to the event's success. Their enthusiastic participation underscored LJIMC's leadership role, with the department boasting the highest engagement rate among all participating institutes including volunteering. LJIMC students showcased their talents with passion and dedication, honing their skills in performance, presentation, and event management. From aerial performances to fashion displays, to running around in the event as volunteers, students gained hands-on experience and invaluable insights into the creative processes. This event also served as a valuable lesson in organisation and formation for every student participating, highlighting the importance of meticulous planning and execution.  

As parents and faculty members looked on with pride, ‘ESCAYPE’ served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of LJ University. Through meticulous planning and execution, the event exemplified LJ's ethos of innovation and inclusivity, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be part of this unforgettable celebration. During the event, a poignant voiceover paid homage to B.M Peerzada Sir, recounting LJ University's remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to its current status of over 30+ institutes, symbolizing the enduring legacy and visionary leadership that continue to guide LJ's path forward.

Event wise participation of LJIMC students
Dancing	Singing	Fashion Show	Volunteering
Tanvi Thakkar	Krishnam Upadhyay	Deevakshi Koneti	Aan Bhatnagar
Dharmik Mandowara		Cheshta Shekvani	Hardi Vadher
Aditya Kamble		Aahana Srivastava	Hiya Shah
Kritee Patel			Aditya Shah
Mahek Gohil			Anusurbhi Sinha
Shrishti Prasad
06	01	03	03
TOTAL	15 STUDENTS

Conclusion: 

The ‘ESCAYPE’ Cultural Fest at LJ University was a triumph of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. LJIMC's active participation and leadership enriched the fest, demonstrating its dedication to fostering talent and promoting cultural exchange. The fest took to end as students bid farewell to the fest, they carried with them memories that would last a lifetime and lessons that would shape their creative endeavours for years to come. 

Curtains closed on ‘ESCAYPE’, with LJ University’s Anthem, sung by everyone present there. LJ University stood as a testament to the transformative power of culture and creativity. The 10-day fest had not only provided students with a platform to showcase their talents but had also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie that would endure far beyond the confines of the event.  With this LJIMC reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the diverse talents of its students and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of LJ University.