MAKING FRIENDS: Students participating in Siddhartha Srijanootsav -2006 in Vijayawada on Saturday .

VIJAYAWADA: The warmth of winter sun mirrored a soft and cheerful glow on young faces foretelling the rich fare that awaited competitors in the two-day State-level annual cultural and literary bonanza for undergraduate students.

The eagerly-awaited `Srijanootsav' began on a colourful note as ever before.

The lush-green campus of P.B. Siddhartha College of Arts and Science wore a festive look with energetic and joyful young ones descending from different colleges from across the State. The morning witnessed clashing of bright students in debate, quiz, singing, folk dance and skit competitions.

Honouring their tradition, students of Siddhartha College abstained from competitions but were seen everywhere organising things on their own. Faculty members played just the overseers' roles and gave a tip or two to properly conducting the competitions. Judges with proven credentials and enough reputation were there to ensure total satisfaction to participants.

Effective arguments

The imagination of young minds was in full play at the debate on the issue surrounding the demand for a separate Telangana State. The two-member teams from 12 colleges strained their vocal chords fully both in favour of and against the idea. They came out with effective arguments on both counts.

Displaying strong feelings with histrionics, a student asserted: "If Potti Sriramulu fought for separate State, it was for the sake of a separate identity and justice for the Telugu-speaking people. But his sacrifice is now in danger of losing relevance. What prompts the advocacy of separation of the State is still a puzzling question? I tell you the division will not be in the interests of any Telugu person."

Words of morale

Earlier inaugurating the fest, Mayor Mallika Begum lauded the students' zeal to participate in extra-curricular activities.

P.R.K. Prasad, secretary of Siddhartha Academy of General and Technical Education, said that the college had decided against participation of their students in the competitions just because they wanted Srijanootsav to be free from any bias.

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