DU LOOKING AT FEST FLOP?

Cultural festivals at Delhi University (DU) are something which every student looks forward to. Endless music and dancing, impressive cash prizes, big celebrity names––DU fests are usually the works. However, this year conceptualising the fests has become a monumental task, owing to the demonetisation-induced cash crunch.

“Usually by now, we would have at least 30% of our work sorted but this year we aren’t even close to arranging sponsors for our fest,” says Sachin Saipawar, Student Union president, Kirori Mal College. “In fact, our regular sponsors haven’t even responded to our requests yet.”

Another problem is locking in smaller vendors, as all transactions happen in cash––as Arshad Muhammad, treasurer, student union, St Stephen’s College points out. As most college unions grapple with the situation, some are trying to think of ways to nail a big sponsorship. Many have even gone into the field to pitch to restaurants and businesses, but there have been no conversions. “Since most colleges are facing similar issues, we’re looking for smarter ways to modify our pitch so that the proposal appeals to our sponsors and our conversion rates go up,” says a Hindu College student union member.

In fact, the prize money budget has also been slashed drastically. “Generally, getting a celebrity is the big attraction. And a fest is considered as big only as the celebrities you get. So, we will have to slash the prize money,” says Neha, SRCC.

However, this idea hasn’t gone down well with many. “If the prize money of a cultural competition is slashed for a celebrity who will only attract unruly crowds, why even organise a fest,” rues Rahul, a dram soc member.