MRIDANG

Annual Departmental Fest

MRIDANG '26

MRIDANG ’26, the annual departmental fest of Abhivyakti, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, was successfully organised on 10th and 11th April 2026. The two-day fest served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their creativity, intellect, cultural talents, and diverse skills through a wide range of academic, literary, artistic, and interactive events. The fest featured competitions such as Essay Writing, Painting, Talent Hunt (Hunarbaaz), English Convention Debate, Quiz, Poem Recitation, and IPL Bidding Auction, providing participants with opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking, artistic expression, communication, teamwork, strategic decision-making, and originality. The inaugural ceremony further enriched the fest through inspiring addresses, cultural performances, felicitation of distinguished guests, and the presence of distinguished alumna Anshika Songwan, who secured All India Rank 330 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 in her first attempt. With enthusiastic participation and a spirit of collaboration, MRIDANG ’26 encouraged students to learn beyond the classroom, interact with peers, and celebrate intellectual and cultural expression. The successful conclusion of the fest reflected the collective efforts of the organising team, faculty members, and participants, while upholding Abhivyakti’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, cultural engagement, and holistic student development.

Mridang'26 Departmental Fest Report.pdf

The Shubharambh, or inaugural ceremony of MRIDANG ’26, marked the formal commencement of the annual departmental fest of Abhivyakti, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, on 10 April 2026. The ceremony began with a warm welcome address, followed by the auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony symbolising the triumph of knowledge and positivity, and the college Kulgeet. A captivating dance performance added a cultural dimension to the occasion, while distinguished guests were felicitated with shawls, mementos, and tokens of appreciation. The inaugural session was further enriched by addresses from the Principal, Department Coordinator Prof. (Dr.) Radha Madhav Bharadwaj, and Event Coordinator Ms. Sangita, along with an inspiring address by distinguished alumna Anshika Songwan, who secured All India Rank 330 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 in her first attempt. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, setting an enthusiastic tone for two days of intellectual, creative, and cultural engagement.

Hunarbaaz — DDUC’s Got Talent, an integral event of MRIDANG ’26, provided students with a vibrant platform to showcase their diverse talents and artistic abilities. The Talent Hunt brought together a wide spectrum of performances, including singing, dancing, and other unique forms of talent, creating an energetic and entertaining atmosphere throughout the event. Participants expressed their individuality and creativity through their performances, reflecting the cultural vibrancy and artistic potential of the student community. The event not only celebrated individual talent but also encouraged students to participate beyond the conventional academic sphere, contributing to the fest’s broader objective of holistic development and cultural engagement.

The Felicitation Ceremony of MRIDANG ’26 recognised and appreciated the contributions and participation of individuals associated with the successful organisation of the annual departmental fest. As part of the inaugural proceedings, distinguished guests were felicitated through the presentation of shawls, mementos, and tokens of appreciation, expressing gratitude for their presence and contribution to the occasion. The ceremony added a formal and respectful dimension to the celebrations while acknowledging the people whose support enriched the fest. The felicitation formed an important part of the inaugural session, which brought together students, faculty members, organisers, and distinguished guests in a shared celebration of academic and cultural excellence.

Kala-Kriti, Painting Competition, organised as part of MRIDANG ’26, provided students with an opportunity to express their creativity and artistic imagination through visual art. The competition showcased the artistic abilities of participating students, who explored vibrant visuals and meaningful themes through their paintings. Their artworks reflected imagination, technique, originality, and emotional depth, demonstrating the diverse forms through which students can communicate ideas and perspectives beyond the conventional classroom environment. The event contributed to the cultural dimension of MRIDANG ’26 by encouraging artistic expression and providing participants with a platform to celebrate creativity and individual artistic talent.

Manan, Essay Writing Competition, organised as part of MRIDANG ’26, offered students an opportunity to articulate their thoughts and perspectives on relevant social and academic themes. The competition encouraged participants to engage with their subjects through thoughtful analysis and structured expression, with submissions reflecting depth of analysis, clarity of expression, and originality of ideas. The event provided a meaningful academic platform within the fest, enabling students to engage with contemporary and relevant themes while developing their written communication and critical-thinking abilities. Through Manan, MRIDANG ’26 furthered its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, academic engagement, and the exchange of ideas beyond the classroom.

Dialectic, Debate Competition was one of the intellectually engaging events of MRIDANG ’26, providing participants with a platform to discuss and debate contemporary issues. The competition encouraged students to demonstrate strong argumentation, critical thinking, effective rebuttals, and clarity of expression while engaging with opposing perspectives. Conducted through a structured format that incorporated Points of Information (POIs), the debate created a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas and encouraged active participation. The event reflected Abhivyakti’s emphasis on intellectual engagement by enabling students to develop their ability to analyse issues, construct arguments, respond to opposing viewpoints, and communicate their perspectives effectively.

Prashnovyu, Quiz Competition, organised during MRIDANG ’26, provided participants with an engaging platform to test and demonstrate their knowledge across a range of domains. The competition was designed to encourage quick thinking, teamwork, and knowledge application, with challenging and engaging rounds that maintained the interest of both participants and the audience. Through its competitive yet interactive format, the quiz encouraged students to draw upon their knowledge while working collaboratively and responding effectively under pressure. The event added an academic and intellectually stimulating dimension to the fest and complemented MRIDANG ’26’s broader objective of promoting learning, curiosity, and holistic student development.

Kavyarang, Poetry Competition provided participants at MRIDANG ’26 with a dedicated platform for literary and creative expression. The competition allowed students to showcase their command over language, emotion, expression, and performance through the recitation of poetry. Participants brought their individual interpretations and emotions to the stage, highlighting the ability of poetry to communicate ideas and sentiments in a powerful and engaging manner. By bringing literature and performance together, the event enriched the cultural and creative character of MRIDANG ’26 and encouraged students to explore artistic expression through the spoken word.

Mulya Manthan, The Bidding War, featured as an interactive event at MRIDANG ’26, introduced participants to an engaging and competitive environment centred on strategic bidding. The event required participants to demonstrate analytical thinking, teamwork, strategic planning, and decision-making skills as they participated in the bidding process. Its interactive format created an atmosphere that combined competition with entertainment, encouraging participants to think strategically while working collaboratively. By incorporating an unconventional and engaging activity into the fest, Mulya Manthan added a distinctive dimension to MRIDANG ’26 and contributed to its objective of providing students with opportunities for learning and skill development beyond traditional academic activities.

MRIDANG '24

MRIDANG ’24, the annual cultural and academic fest of Abhivyakti, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, was successfully organized on 23 April 2024. The fest served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their intellectual, creative, and leadership abilities through a variety of engaging competitions and academic activities. Bringing together participants from different colleges and disciplines, MRIDANG ’24 promoted knowledge sharing, innovation, critical thinking, and healthy competition. The festival featured events such as Pratispardha, an Inter-College Knowledge Competition comprising Quiz and Essay Writing contests, along with other interactive programmes that encouraged scholarly engagement and skill development. Characterized by enthusiastic participation and a spirit of collaboration, MRIDANG ’24 provided students with opportunities to express their talents, exchange ideas, and broaden their perspectives. The success of the fest reflected the department’s continued commitment to fostering academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, cultural enrichment, and holistic development among students.

As a part of MRIDANG '24, the annual fest of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Pratispardha was organized as an Inter-College Knowledge Competition featuring Quiz and Essay Writing events. The competition provided students with a platform to demonstrate their intellectual abilities, critical thinking, and awareness of contemporary and academic issues. Bringing together participants from various colleges, Pratispardha encouraged healthy competition, knowledge exchange, and scholarly engagement. The event aimed to nurture analytical skills, creativity, and effective communication while fostering a spirit of academic excellence. With enthusiastic participation and attractive prizes, Pratispardha emerged as a stimulating and enriching experience, celebrating the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual curiosity among students.

The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities successfully organized a seminar on “विकसित भारत में नौकरशाही की भूमिका” (The Role of Bureaucracy in a Developed India). The event featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Surender Ghonkrokta (Retd. IAS Officer), Mr. Sachin Kumar (Motivational Speaker), and Mr. Manikant, Founder of The Study IAS and History Educator. Through their insightful deliberations, the speakers highlighted the significance of an efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric bureaucracy in achieving the vision of a developed India. They also shared valuable perspectives on public administration, leadership, governance, and career opportunities in the civil services. The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in discussions and interacted with the speakers. The event proved to be both informative and inspiring, making it a memorable and successful academic endeavour.

MRIDANG '23

MRIDANG ’23, the annual cultural and literary fest of Abhivyakti, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, was successfully organized across 3 February, 28 March, 31 March, and 1 April 2023. The fest served as a dynamic platform for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and intellectual abilities through a diverse range of competitions and interactive activities. Bringing together participants from various disciplines and institutions, MRIDANG ’23 celebrated artistic expression, cultural diversity, innovation, and healthy competition. Through events spanning performing arts, visual arts, music, games, and strategic thinking, the festival encouraged students to engage in meaningful interaction, develop confidence, and explore their creative potential. The enthusiastic participation and vibrant atmosphere throughout the fest reflected the department’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and holistic student development.

As a part of MRIDANG '23, the department organised “Meme-Mania,” a meme-making competition that encouraged participants to creatively engage with history through humour and digital expression. Centred on the theme “Samudragupta: The Napoleon of India,” the event provided students with an innovative platform to explore the life and achievements of one of ancient India’s most celebrated rulers. Through original and thought-provoking memes, participants combined historical knowledge with wit and creativity, presenting complex themes in an engaging and accessible manner. The competition fostered originality, historical awareness, and artistic expression while highlighting the relevance of contemporary digital culture in interpreting the past. Meme-Mania added a unique and entertaining dimension to MRIDANG '23, making history both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

As a part of MRIDANG '23, the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, organised a Photography Competition centred on the theme “Equality, Liberty and Solidarity.” The event provided participants with an opportunity to capture and interpret these fundamental ideals through the creative medium of photography. Encouraging artistic expression and social awareness, the competition inspired students to present compelling visual narratives reflecting the values of justice, inclusivity, and collective harmony. Through their photographs, participants highlighted diverse perspectives on the principles that underpin a democratic and humane society. The event fostered creativity, critical reflection, and an appreciation for the power of visual storytelling

As a part of MRIDANG '23, the department organised “Shatranj,” a chess competition that brought together enthusiasts for an engaging display of strategy, skill, and concentration. Open to individual participants, the event provided students with an opportunity to test their tactical abilities and analytical thinking in a spirit of healthy competition. Featuring cash prizes for the top performers, Shatranj fostered sportsmanship, patience, and sound judgement while celebrating the enduring appeal of chess.

As a part of MRIDANG '23, the department organised an Open Mic Competition, providing students with a vibrant platform to showcase their talents in poetry, singing, mono acting, mimicry, and stand-up comedy. Bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the event celebrated creativity, confidence, and artistic expression. Through a variety of performances, students shared their ideas and entertained audiences while fostering an atmosphere of cultural appreciation and meaningful interaction.

As a part of MRIDANG '23, the department organised “Kalamkari,” an art competition centred on the theme “Recreate Your Favourite Cartoon in Your Own Style.” The event encouraged participants to reinterpret beloved cartoon characters through their individual artistic vision and imagination. Providing a platform for creative experimentation and self-expression, Kalamkari enabled students to showcase their originality and technical skills. Through colourful and innovative creations, participants demonstrated the fusion of nostalgia with contemporary artistic expression, making the competition a lively and engaging

Nritanjali is the solo dance competition of Mridang’23, celebrating the art of expression through movement, rhythm, and creativity. The event provides a platform for talented dancers to showcase their individuality, technical skills, and stage presence across various dance forms, including classical, folk, contemporary, and freestyle. Participants captivate the audience with powerful performances that blend storytelling, emotion, and artistic excellence. Nritanjali encourages students to embrace their passion for dance while fostering confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation, making it one of the most vibrant highlights of the festival.

The Jamming Sesh is an energetic musical extravaganza that brings together singers, instrumentalists, bands, and music enthusiasts under one stage. Designed to celebrate the universal language of music, the event offers participants an opportunity to perform, collaborate, and connect through melodies and rhythms. From soulful acoustic performances to high-energy contemporary music, the session creates an engaging atmosphere filled with creativity and entertainment. The Jamming Session promotes artistic expression, teamwork, and appreciation for diverse musical genres while providing an unforgettable experience for performers and audiences alike.

The Gaming Booth is an exciting recreational attraction of Mridang’23, offering a variety of fun-filled games and challenges for students. Guided by the theme “Sab Khelo, Sab Jeeto”, the booth encourages participation, enjoyment, and friendly competition. Featuring engaging activities such as Spin the Wheel, Duck-it or Leave-it, Smash It, Blow the Ball, and many more, the Gaming Booth creates a lively environment where students can test their skills, win prizes, and interact with their peers. It serves as a hub of entertainment, enthusiasm, and camaraderie, adding excitement and joy to the festival experience.

MRIDANG '22

MRIDANG '22, the annual fest of Abhivyakti, the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, organised on 23rd April 2022, served as a vibrant celebration of creativity, intellect, and student participation. Through a diverse range of events encompassing chess, art, quizzing, and literary expression, the fest provided students with dynamic platforms to showcase their talents and engage in healthy competition. Bringing together participants from varied interests and backgrounds, MRIDANG '22 fostered critical thinking, creativity, and camaraderie while encouraging holistic development beyond the classroom. The enthusiastic participation and spirit of collaboration that characterised the fest made it a memorable and enriching experience, reflecting the department’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and cultural vibrancy.

As a part of MRIDANG '22, the department organised “Shatranj,” a chess competition that brought together enthusiasts for an engaging display of strategy, skill, and concentration. Inspired by India’s rich chess legacy and the growing popularity of the game among the youth, the event provided participants with a platform to test their tactical abilities and competitive spirit. Featuring a prize pool of ₹5000, the competition witnessed enthusiastic participation and fostered a spirit of healthy competition and sportsmanship. Shatranj celebrated the enduring appeal of chess and highlighted its significance as a game that nurtures analytical thinking, patience, and sound judgement.

As a part of MRIDANG '22, the department organised “Rangeela,” a creative tie-dye art competition that celebrated imagination, colour, and self-expression. Inspired by the enduring appeal of tie-dye and its nostalgic connection with childhood memories, the event provided participants with an opportunity to explore innovative ways of reinventing this art form. Encouraging creativity and experimentation, Rangeela brought together students with a passion for design and artistic expression. Through vibrant patterns and unique creations, participants showcased their talents while embracing the joy of creativity. The event fostered an atmosphere of enthusiasm and artistic appreciation, making Rangeela a lively and colourful addition to the celebrations of MRIDANG '22 and an enjoyable experience for all involved.

As a part of MRIDANG '22, the department organised “The India Quiz,” an engaging quiz competition that celebrated the diversity and richness of India’s heritage and contemporary achievements. The event provided participants with a platform to test their knowledge of Indian history, culture, architecture, industries, and technological advancements. Featuring a prize pool of ₹5000, the competition fostered a spirit of healthy competition and intellectual curiosity among students. Through a stimulating blend of questions on various aspects of the nation, The India Quiz encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of India’s multifaceted identity. The event successfully combined learning with excitement, making it a memorable and enriching component while inspiring students to appreciate the legacy and progress of the country.

As a part of MRIDANG '22, the department organised “अल्फाज़,” an open mic competition that celebrated the power of words and self-expression. The event provided participants with a vibrant platform to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through poetry, storytelling, and spoken performances. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, अल्फाज़ fostered creativity, confidence, and meaningful dialogue while encouraging participants to articulate their perspectives with originality and passion. The competition created an atmosphere of artistic appreciation and cultural exchange, allowing voices and ideas to resonate beyond the confines of the classroom. Through its emphasis on expression and imagination, अल्फाज़ emerged as a memorable component reflecting the spirit of creativity and intellectual engagement that defines the festival.

MRIDANG '21

MRIDANG '21, the annual fest of Abhivyakti, the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, was held on 12th and 13th April 2021 in a virtual format. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the fest emerged as a vibrant platform for intellectual engagement, creativity, and artistic expression. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, MRIDANG '21 featured a wide array of competitions encompassing writing, photography, quiz, poster-making, meme creation, and open mic performances. Through these events, the fest encouraged critical thinking, innovation, and meaningful dialogue while fostering a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie. Successfully blending academic inquiry with cultural expression, MRIDANG '21 reflected the resilience and enthusiasm of the student community and provided participants with a memorable and enriching experience.

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “Prose Pros,” a bilingual writing competition on 12th April 2021. The event centred on the topic “How Brexit Affects the Economy of the European Union” and provided participants with a platform to articulate their ideas and engage with contemporary global issues through creative and analytical writing. Conducted online via the Google Meet platform, the competition encouraged critical thinking, effective expression, and intellectual discourse, enabling students to explore the economic and political implications of Brexit while showcasing their literary skills.

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “Flutter the Shutter,” an online photography competition on 12th April 2021. The event centred on the theme “Rural India” and provided participants with an opportunity to capture the diversity, simplicity, and cultural richness of life in the Indian countryside through the lens of photography. Encouraging creativity and keen observation, the competition enabled students to present compelling visual narratives that highlighted the traditions, landscapes, and everyday experiences of rural communities. Conducted in a virtual format, the event fostered artistic expression and appreciation for India’s social and cultural heritage

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “Meme War!”, an online meme-making competition on 13th April 2021. The event centred on the theme “World War II and the Cold War” and offered participants an opportunity to explore significant events of modern history through the creative medium of memes. By blending humour with historical awareness, the competition encouraged students to present complex historical developments in an engaging and accessible manner. Conducted in a virtual format, the event fostered originality, critical thinking, and digital creativity while enabling participants to showcase their wit and artistic skills. Meme War! added a unique and entertaining dimension to MRIDANG 2021, making history both informative and enjoyable.

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “Master Minds,” an inquisitive quiz competition on 12th April 2021. The event focused on the theme “Modern Indian History” and provided participants with a stimulating platform to test their knowledge of significant events, personalities, and movements that shaped modern India. Conducted in an online format, the competition encouraged analytical thinking, historical awareness, and a spirit of healthy competition among students. Through multiple rounds of engaging questions, participants demonstrated their understanding of India's struggle for independence and the socio-political developments of the modern era. The event fostered intellectual curiosity and promoted a deeper appreciation of India’s historical legacy. Master Minds emerged as an enriching and exciting component combining learning with the thrill of competition and encouraging students to explore history beyond the classroom.

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “कलाकृति,” an online poster-making competition. Centred on the theme “Media: Fourth Pillar of Democracy,” the event encouraged participants to creatively depict the role of the media in upholding democratic values and promoting informed public discourse. Through innovative visual expression, students showcased their artistic abilities while engaging with important contemporary issues. The competition successfully combined creativity with critical reflection, making it an enriching and thought-provoking component of MRIDANG 2021.

As a part of MRIDANG 2021, the department organised “अल्फाज़,” an online open mic competition. Conducted through virtual platforms, the event provided participants with an opportunity to celebrate the power of words and express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through poetry, storytelling, and spoken performances. Embracing the spirit of creativity and self-expression, अल्फाज़ brought together students from diverse backgrounds and fostered an atmosphere of artistic appreciation and meaningful dialogue.

MRIDANG '20

MRIDANG '20, the annual departmental fest of Abhivyakti, the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, held on 6th and 7th March 2020, served as a vibrant celebration of intellectual inquiry, creativity, and student engagement. Bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the fest provided a dynamic platform for debating contemporary issues, showcasing artistic talent, and encouraging collaborative learning. Through a series of competitions and interactive events spanning literature, photography, public speaking, history, and recreational activities, MRIDANG '20 fostered an atmosphere of critical thinking, cultural expression, and camaraderie, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all participants.

Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised a Youth Parliament on the theme “The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019.” Conceived as a platform for constructive debate and democratic engagement, the event brought together young minds to deliberate on contemporary issues and appreciate diverse perspectives. Through informed discussions, healthy contention, and critical analysis, participants gained valuable insights into the legislative process and the importance of reasoned dialogue in a democratic society. The event successfully fostered a spirit of intellectual exchange and parliamentary awareness among students.

Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised “Andaz-e-Kalam,” a Bilingual Writing Competition centred on the theme “Personal is Political.” Held in Room 524, the event encouraged participants to articulate their thoughts and opinions through creative expression in both Hindi and English. Providing a platform for young writers to engage with contemporary social and political issues, the competition fostered critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful dialogue. Through the power of words, students were inspired to voice their perspectives and contribute to a culture of thoughtful discourse.

Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised “Chitrography,” a photography competition based on the theme “Colors of India.” The event invited participants to capture the vibrancy, diversity, and cultural richness of India through the lens of creativity and observation. Encouraging students to discover beauty in everyday life, the competition provided a platform for budding photographers to showcase their artistic vision and celebrate the myriad hues that define the spirit of the nation. Through compelling visual narratives, participants highlighted the essence of India’s traditions, landscapes, and people.

On 7th March 2020, Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised “Express to Impress,” an open mic competition aimed at celebrating life through the power of words. Held at the 6th Floor Computer Centre, the event provided students with a vibrant platform to express themselves through poetry, storytelling, and spoken word performances. Encouraging creativity, confidence, and free expression, the competition brought together participants from diverse backgrounds and fostered an atmosphere of artistic appreciation and meaningful dialogue.

Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised “By Gone Times,” a history quiz centred on the theme “Ancient History (World).” Held in Room No. 522, the event aimed to stimulate students’ interest in the ancient world and test their knowledge of significant civilizations, cultures, and historical developments. Through an engaging and competitive format, participants showcased their historical awareness and analytical skills, making the event both intellectually enriching and enjoyable. The quiz successfully fostered a deeper appreciation for the study of history and its enduring relevance.

Under MRIDANG '20, the department organised “Dunk-a-Ball,” an exciting team event designed to test participants’ hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Encouraging students to collaborate with their peers and engage in a fun-filled atmosphere, the event brought together teams in a display of skill, precision, and sportsmanship. Dunk-a-Ball provided participants with an enjoyable opportunity to strengthen camaraderie while fostering enthusiasm and active participation beyond the classroom.

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