Alva’s Sri Lankan Sanskruthiya 2017

Alva’s Sri Lankan Sanskruthiya 2017

Moodbidri: The atmosphere was thick with festive fervor. Laden decorations and lights brought out opulence gaiety. The euphoria of the crowd as it whistled and cheered throughout the show. Everything else was forgotten in the excitement of celebrating native soil tradition in a non-native land. Alva’s Sri Lankan Day- ‘Sanskruthiya-2017’, organized by Alva’s Education Foundation, on Tuesday, at Nudisiri Vedikhe created a new vibe among the Sri Lankan countrymen and witnessed eyeballs. Sri Lankan students studying in various courses in AEF gave an opportunity to showcase the beauty of their motherland to create awareness among local students. The formal function kicked off with Kandyan royal welcome dance to the guest towards the dais. The stage was decked up with Gokkola pahana (ceremonial oil lamp made up of coconut leaves), Polmal Kalasa (metal pot), Vesmuhunu (devil masks) and LED screen viewing typical Sri Lankan tradition. Students community of Sri Lankans wore sarong and saree to depict their true culture.

After inaugurating the programme, Alva’s Education Foundation chairman, Dr M Mohan Alva said, “A person is culturally aware when he or she celebrates the world’s colorful cultural richness and assortment instead of discriminating other cultures. Sri Lankans have a great sense of appreciating the culture and true patriotic warriors”. He added and said, “Sri Lanka is one of the handful countries that offer free education to children even up to higher education. Because of this reason, Srilanka has a boasting literacy rate of 97 percent. The students who have studied in this institution are enjoying elite jobs in their country”, he noted.

The cultural extravaganza started with Puja dance, which seeks blessings from goddess Saraswathi. Hansa wannama (Swan dance), Mani akkitha (revering lord Buddha), traditional dances including Udarata, Pahatarata, Sabaragamuwa were showcased. Documentary of Srilankan exhibited diverse multicultural heritage of the island country of South Asia. Tribal dance (tribal praising for rain god) Bharathanatyam, Dalada siritha (Lord Buddha), Dheevara (Fishermen dance) and instrumental music forms mesmerized the onlookers. Srilankan cultural students who are perceiving diploma courses were honored with certificates. Anurudha Fernando of third year B Sc MLT student who secured 6th rank in the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was felicitated during the programme. Sumptuous Srilankan delicacies like Karavalle, Ala curry, Polsambola, rice were served to the audience.

Alva’s Education Foundation Trustee Vivek Alva, Alva’s college Principal Dr Kurian, student coordinators Nissal, Deborah were present among others.