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What is culture for you?

Look around you, what do you see? The beautiful painting on your wall, the printed bed sheets, the show pieces, your friends around planning for a party etc. There is an element of culture which enroots the DNA of things. Trying to encapsulate something which has varied dimensions is difficult. Culture is one such term which can relate not only to an emotion but also can be observed on a wall which is deprived of emotion. So it is easier to observe the different avenues in which this term dwells rather than confining it to limited words.

After pondering over what or how should I go about writing this, and thinking that this post might also be biased with my personal experience of culture I come up with the below four broad categories.

Firstly, it is the human behavior. Be it the writing of a post to the leadership style of Mr. Modi there are cultural parallels that you can associate it with. The human behavior over the years has been undergoing constant change since ages. A simple example being the linguistic changes in speech. It varies not only across geographies but also within the same geography based on several factors. I feel it is fair to assume that culture is imbibed based on the ecosystem in which the humans live.

Infact, when you think deeply culture is connected with all of the human senses. And maybe it is the best way to describe to you and let you imagine the extent to which it is connected with the human behavior.

Heritage is what comes second to my mind. Living in a cultural hotspot of the world “India”, I am bound to notice the transference of social norms, beliefs, rituals etc. Wait what was that famous word by Mr. Bachchan? Yes, “Parampara” or tradition. It is something that we are not born with, but is something passed on from generation to generation.

The memories of visiting holy temples, churches, mosques and gurudwaras etc. must resonate with most of us here and is a perfectly fine example of the heritage and the cultural aspect associated with it.

The third category which I think are concrete proofs in literal sense. Yes, these are artifacts, buildings, products etc. in other words “things”. Every-“thing” around us may have a cultural element attached to it. Be it your workspace, home décor or equipment it is reflective of the culture. These things evolve over a period of time. Take the example of a watch. In the olden days the concept of time was measured through the sundial or maybe even a sandglass. In today’s day and age the product has evolved to become a smart wrist watch capable enough to make payments at retail stores easier.

The final category may not be as concrete as the previous one, but is of equal importance in my opinion. These are the processes and structures created within the society. These cannot be felt by touch but can be observed through actions and emotions. The various dimensions in which cultures can be observed within an organization is a byproduct of the development of the cognitive abilities of humans. These can be weaved through thoughts influenced by various factors but still developed individually.

For the most parts of it, you can observe culture through all your senses in a particular location and it is the essence of the place and habitat. Knowing it is not enough, you would also need to understand and appreciate it with all forms of its diversity. Well so these were my small thoughts on the difficult term culture.

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Rakshabandhan

Rakhi is a special festival, Irrespective of caste and creed people from all walks of life participate in this festival. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana  which also coincides with Upa-karma (changing the sacred thread for the brahmins, Avani Avittom in South India).The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.

The concept of Raksha Bandhan is mainly that of protection. Commonly we find people going to the priests in temples and getting a sacred thread tied to their hands. We find this in the temple of Kala Bhairava at Varanasi where people get a black thread tied to their wrist. Similarly at Sri Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu, we find people tying red band to their forehead after worshipping the Goddess.

In Hindu religious functions we observe the preist tying a thread to the wrist of person performing the ritual before its commencement. It is believed and said that even Yagnopaveetam (sacred thread across the chest) acts as a Raksha to the wearer if one maintains its sanctity.

In the concept of Marriage, Mangala Sutra also has a similar inner significance.

Today, what i want to tell you is that, the tying of a Rakhi is not confined only to  brother and sister. It could also be tied by a sister to her sister, wife to her husband, or by a disciple to the Guru. This bond does not have to be between blood relatives – a girl might adopt a boy as her brother through the tying of a Rakhi. This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love, but also transcends the boundaries of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life. This helps to broaden ones’ vision beyond the borders of ones own family to the entire earth as one family.

According to Indian religious lore, Lord Siva is considered as the Father and Goddess Parvati as the Mother. The devotees of the Lord are my relatives, and I belong to all the three worlds.

माता च पार्वती देवी पिता देवो महेश्वरः बान्धवाश्  शिव भक्ताश्च  स्वदेशो भुवनत्र्यम्

Indra – Sachi Devi : As per Bhavishya Purana, Indra the King of Devas was advised by Deva Guru Brihaspati to wear a Rakhi as a protection against enemies (Demons) when he was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra Asura. Accordingly Sachi Devi tied a Rakhi to Indra.

According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival. Usually fishermen offer coconut and rakhi to the Sea God Varuna – this festival is known as Nariyal Poornima.

It is said that when Alexander was defeated at the hands of the great Hindu King Purushottam of Punjab, Alexander’s wife tied a Rakhi to Purushottam to protect her husband from being slain.

During the days of Emperor Humayun, it is believed that Rani Karnavati (Queen of Chittor) had sent a Rakhi to emperor Humayun in order to get protection from Bahadur Shah who was invading her kingdom. Inspite of being of a different religion, he rushed to her help.

Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. But in a broader perspective the festival of Rakhi conveys an intrinsic message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Thus the festival of Rakhi conveys a message that has socio spiritual significance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive qualities, purity in thought, word and deed.

At MICA, Our batch mates have received parcels from their homes and are eager to video call your family :)

Happy Raksha Bandhan everyone.

keep spreading happiness and keep smiling :)

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India’s 73rd Independence Day

MICA celebrated Independence day today with full enthusiasm and patriotism. MICA’s President, Dr. Shailendra graced the occasion by unfurling the tri colour and by reciting hindi poetry. 

Our PGP1 and PGP2 students had prepared cultural prepared cultural program wherein they recited their own poems, sang patriotic song, danced with full enthusiasm and make sure that every MICAN is proud to be an INDIAN.

On this day today, let us know more about our struggle for freedom : 

In 1757, British rule began in India which was followed by the victory of English East India Company at the Battle of Plassey and gained control over the country. East India Company took control in India for almost 100 years and then British crown replaced it via Indian Mutiny in 1857-58. During World War I, the India Independence movement was started and it was led by Mahatma Gandhi who advocated the method of nonviolent, non-cooperation movement which was followed by Civil Disobedience movement.

In 1946, the Labour Government, the exchequer of Britain thought of ending their rule over India because of their capital loss during World War II. Then, British Government in the early 1947 announced to transfer all powers to the Indians by June 1948. But the violence between Hindu and Muslim was not decreased basically in Punjab and Bengal. In fact in June 1947 several leaders like Pandit jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Abul Kalam Azad, B.R Ambedkar etc. agreed for the partition of India. Millions of people from different religious groups started finding places to reside. And due to this approx 250,000 to 500,000 people died. On 15 August, 1947 at midnight India got independence and was concluded by the Jawahar Lal Nehru speech "Tryst with destiny".

The British Prime Minister Clement Atlee on 20 February, 1947 declared that the British rule in India would end by 30 June, 1948 after which the powers would be transferred to responsible Indian hands. This announcement was followed by the agitation by the Muslim league and demanding for the partition of the country. Then, on 3 June, 1947, British Government declared that any Constitution framed by the Indian Constituent Assembly which was formed in 1946 cannot apply to those parts of the country which were unwilling to accept it. And so on the same day that is on 3 June, 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the viceroy of India put forth the partition plan which is known as Mountbatten Plan. The Congress and the Muslim league accepted the plan. Immediate effect was given to the plan enacting the Indian Independence Act 1947.

On 14-15 August, 1947, midnight, the British rule came to an end and power was transferred to the two new independent Dominions of India and the Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the new Dominion of India. Jawahar Lal Nehru became the first prime minister of Independent India. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the Parliament of Indian Dominion.

India will celebrate its 73rd Independence Day.The Army, Navy and Air Force marched across the red Fort and the school children in colourful dresses do rehearsal in front of the dignitaries and audience present in the rehearsal.

The President delivers the “Address to the Nation" on the Independence Day event. Prime Minister of India unfurls the flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort. Several cultural programmes are held in the state capital Delhi by various schools and organisations.

People on Independence Day fly kites which symbolises the free spirit of India. Red Fort in Delhi is also an important symbol as on 15 August, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India's flag. Several people attend the flag hoisting ceremony in the city of Delhi which is a beautiful experience to watch. And some people watch patriotic cinemas; watch Red Fort ceremony in their houses at TV. Whole nation celebrate this day with full enthusiasm and with the spirit of patriotism.

We hope that you too celebrate the independence day with full patriotism and not let this emotion fade away.

Keep smiling :)

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Bakr - Eid is a very special event for those celebrating this festival. We did a instagram campaign in which we asked all MICANs to tell their favorite memory of Bakr-Eid and here is what we got :

1. Going to friends’ place to have biryani

2. Dressing up and having family time

3.Friends’ meetup and fun times

4.Shopping!!

Today, on the eve of bark - eid lets understand what this day stands for. 

​The festival of Eid-ul-Adha also known as Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id or Bakra Eid) is celebrated across the globe each year on 10th or 12th in the month of Dhul Hijjah, as per the Islamic calendar. Also known as the ‘festival of sacrifice’, this year it will be celebrated on August 12 in India. The celebration lasts for about 3 days.

It honours Ibrahim, the messenger in Islam who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of respect towards God’s command. While Ibrahim was ready to make the sacrifice, God stopped the sacrifice and his child was replaced by a lamb thereby saving Ibrahim’s son’s life. The Muslim community across the world celebrates the Bakrid festival by sacrificing a male goat honouring Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice. They start the festival by offering morning prayers in Mosque and follow their prescribed ritual of sacrificing which is later distributed in three proportions: poor’s, relatives and themselves. They visit family and friends to offer wishes, share gifts and rejoice together.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the lunar year. The Hajj pilgrimage also takes place at the same time. Celebrating Eid-al Adha by sacrificing animals is very akin to the practice of self-sacrifice which is an act of offering gratitude to Allah. It is believed that during a lifetime, we give up a number of things that are important to us for a bigger purpose and in a similar way the sacrificing the animals is a symbol of willingness to sacrifice to stay true on our path and not be lured by earthly love and affection.

Bakr-Id feast dishes include mutton biryani, mutton korma, mutton keema, bhuna kaleji among others and the desserts include sheer khurma and kheer.

So enjoy all your feasts my dear friends and don’t forget to spread happiness.

Keep smiling :)

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Treasure Hunt

Long weekend leads to long list of assignments and pre reads. We here at MICA want to make sure that all study and no play should not make MICANs dull peeps. So we decided to organize a treasure hunt for them. A fun event just to familiarize people with the campus and history of MICA.

All the clues were placed at some famous locations in MICA campus. Each of the location has a story behind it.

Chhota Canteen : MICA’s 24*7 canteen where Anand bhai and T-bro provide us with delicious food whenever we ask them for. MICA has seen many batches come and go, but what stayed is chhota, Anand bhai and T-bro. Do try ‘Ucchil Burger’ if you get a chance.it is amazing!. Also, a fun fact,Its called ‘Chhota’ because apparently ‘Bada’ Canteen is mess.

Cultree - A huge tree amidst MICA hostels which is a hang out place for almost everyone. We start all our events mostly from this tree.

MiCafe - The urgent need of coffee between the lectures, just to keep your eyes open during the sessions is satisfied by MiCafe

Football Field - The field where footy (our very own football), frisbee (yes, you read it right! we do play frisbee in MICA and we kill the game!) and many more sports are played.

Hostels - Parijat, Silver Oak, Palash, Ashoka. Every hostel has their own song and their own culture. Each hostel is very welcoming and you will distinctly notice the change in vibes in each of them.

So the clues were spread all over the campus and our teams had to find them all. Winner team got gift voucher from crossword and 800 chhota credits.

For all the people who do not know what treasure hunt is, here is the link of how to play treasure hunt : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzhQHKWIpTc

Our motive of keeping people happy and energized was successful. We strive to create such more events and keep spreading happiness.

Keep Smiling :)

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Friendship Day

What’s a friend?

“Someone is trustworthy and not afraid to tell you the truth, no matter how hard it is sometimes and who is loyal and whose company you enjoy…”

“Someone with One million memories, ten thousand inside jokes, one hundred shared secrets and to share the last cookie with.”

“Someone with communicate just with…. Face expression….”

“Someone who can’t describe in words. You can describe them with memories that you had with them…”

This Friendship day let your friends know how much they mean to you. 

Here is what we did for our fellow little MICANs :

We put this up on every room’s door at 5am. Our MICANs woke up to a wonderful surprise and a bright smile on their face.

We organized fun games and dance floor was on fire in the evening. There were 1 minute games, Bollywood quizzes and balloon dance. We had pizzas and ice cream for dinner just to make sure that no friend goes back empty stomach :)

Its not everyday that we tell our friend how much they mean to us. They have helped us through the committee selection process, class preps, assignments, breakups, patch ups and what not.

Let today be the day when you let you friend know that you care and you will always be there for them no matter what.

Here is a thing which you can do :

1. Find a picture of you and your friend.

2.Open it in Canva (www.canva.com)

3. Increase its transparency and write a moment about you both which is close to your heart. It can be a simple smile, nod or a hug which your fiend gave you when you needed it the most. Just write it.

4. Send it to your friend and be ready for all the emotional moment.

Time will pass, people will grow, you all would eventually settle in different cities but what would remain are these memories. So lets create some and cherish them for life.

Keep smiling :) 

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CULTURAL Committee

Hello peeps! We are cultural committee. Here to tell you about all the fun things happening in MICA.

We as committee celebrate all the festivals and special days in college. We make sure that you never miss your "MICA” and get to do everything in MICA  while you are here. From Sankranti to Christmas, Eid to Onam you name it and you will see that we celebrate it all. In fact, you will get to see us during all the fun moments.

The main motto of our team is to bring smile on everyone’s faces. We strive hard to endure that no MICAN is left with a frown on their face.

Even if you have never danced, sang or been part of a big fun group we promise you that you will dance and sing till your legs and throat hurt by the end of your MICA nivas.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Keep smiling :)