NSS Different moves: Ramjas’ Naatu fest gripped by Naatu

The Naatu Naatu (RRR, 2022) fever has taken the world by storm, and the latest to hop on the bandwagon was a group of visually impaired students of Delhi University’s Ramjas College. At the annual fest of the college’s National Service Scheme (NSS), the students of the unit decided to collaborate with the Enabling Unit of the college to bring differently abled students to the fore. The result was the impressive performance of the song that recently won laurels at the 2023 Oscars.

A day full of dancing, singing, and merrymaking was this fest which had a group perform on Bollywood songs such as Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua (Shree 420; 1955) and Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche (Brahmachari; 1968).

Kewal Krishna, a final-year student of BA (Prog) who is visually impaired, was part of this group. He says, “People like me getting a chance to be on the stage is a rare occurrence! We are doing great things in our field, but being included in other aspects while in college is fantastic. In fact, it’s also important to boost the confidence of many differently abled, as several among us shy away from being in the centre of the stage due to the stigma of the tags that we are often given.” The students’ dance moves compelled the audience members to dance along and cheer.

Among the dance acts, there were three music performances as well. “It was a fantastic opportunity for me to showcase my talent,” says Sanjeev Kumar, a final-year Political Science (Hons) student with visual impairment who performed a folk song. “A lot of times, when people see me, all they want to know is what happened to me. But when I was up on the stage, I could feel people praising me for my voice,” he adds.

“The differently abled students often get a platform to study, but it’s equally important to give them opportunities to shine in various fields,” says Radhika Dargode, a second-year Botany (Hons) student and president of the NSS unit.

Our peers have shown that they are a force when it comes to cultural events. RADHIKA DARGODE, Secondyear student and president of the NSS unit

PHOTOS: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/ HT Artwork was displayed at the fest by Shreekant Dubey, a differently abled artist who has a prosthetic right arm Students with visual impairment took the stage with a performance on Bollywood medleys

Sanjeev Kumar, a visually impaired student, regaled the audience with his soulful folk songs