The auditorium of the Asian Institute of Technology’s Conference
Center, which was deluged in last October, became an arena where
togetherness and internationality was on display. A few minutes
earlier, all these contestants were fiercely competing with each other.
But as the event was drawing to a close, all gathered together in a
spontaneous act which showcased the spirit that is uniquely and truly
AIT.
The AIT Cultural Show held on 21 April 2012 was in many ways
quintessential AIT. The event showcased the inherent artistic talent of
the students and their fierce competitive spirit, coupled with the
spirit of unity that makes them truly global citizens. As the AIT
President remarked, “This event celebrates our multicultural ethos, and
the spirit of unity and solidarity,” while Dr. Donyaprueth Krairit,
Chair, Culture and Gender Committee, joined everyone in expressing her
delight at the event. The AIT Student Union President Mr. Bhawat
Traipattananakul, clearly overwhelmed by the response of the students,
remarked that the slogan of the event “So much to share” said it all.
The event began on a somber note, with the AIT President handing out
certificates of appreciation to student volunteers who had helped
during the Great Thailand Flood of 2011. A yoga show by children of Baan Unrak Children's Home,
Sangklaburi, had the audience overawed and stunned.
But as it progressed, the event transformed itself into a show of
cultural pageantry showcasing the diversity and internationality of the
Institute. Competition teams took time off from their rigorous study
schedule to put in hours of practice for the event.
The Cultural Show was organized into four competitive categories –
song, dance, drama and a talent show. The team from Nepal used a
multimedia projector to provide a new dimension to the tradition of
shadow theatre to win the top honors in the drama competition.
Following them in the second spot was the team from Bangladesh, with
their humorous take on the recent flood. The team from Indonesia
narrated a folk tale about a disrespectful son, to claim the third
position.
The dance competition had the audience on its feet with an energetic
“Bhangra” folk dance performance from India. The Indian team emerged
victorious, followed by Nepal. The team from Myanmar showcased both
traditional and modern versions of dance, to bag the third position.
Thailand won the consolation prize.
The song competition was a tough call, with numerous performers
raising the bar. The team from Indonesia won, followed by China and
India getting the third position. Nepal was awarded a consolation prize
with their singer having sung in seven languages, namely – English,
Thai, Sinhalese, Japanese, Bengali, Nepali and Punjabi.
Japan won the talent competition, followed by Nepal, while Indonesia
bagged the third spot. The logo competition was won by Mr. Poorna
Perera, a Sri Lankan undergraduate student of Mechatronics. The show
was compered by Ms. Lorina Sthapit from Nepal, Mr. Mir Dost from
Pakistan, Ms. Neha Dodeja of India and Ms. Sujata Bhatia from Thailand.
The event’s organization was spearheaded by Ms. Ni Ni Thaung,
Chairperson, AIT Student Union Culture and Gender Committee.
The photo albums from the event are available at these links :
Album I,
Album II and
Album III.
The impromptu international dance
during the AIT Cultural Show 2012.