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Talking points in the
cubicle Chat sessions and coffee breaks are an integral part of office life. From the meltdown and 26/11 to good old politics and family issues, there are many topics spicing up conversations nowadays? We catch some sound bytes…
A perpetual entertainer for one and all, when it comes to discussions, they can last from hours to even days, but there has to be a center point of discussion. And what is it, "It depends upon groups and people, when it is a mixed group the talk is about jobs, politics, stuff that is related to current affairs. And when it is a group of females, the topics could be as diverse as family, kids, gymming etc. Every group has a different discussion point but the most common topics of discussion are politics, films, television, reality shows, eating joints and shopping is definitely a hot pick," says Cavita Taragi, director, office of external affairs, Chitkara. Dr Rajan Chug, an eye specialist from sector 22, says, "Groups can be divided into sub-groups of youngsters, teenagers, women and men, and all of them have different conversation topics. But there is a range of things that people discuss and the commonest of all is the weather. Known or unknown, men or women, climate surely becomes a hot topic of discussion." Talking about what do people usually chat about, he says, "Check yourself, women would end up talking about kids, men on the dwindling political situation, the older lot about city traffic situations and professionals about their field of job. Like us, medicos, end up making a mention of the latest treatment that might be given to a patient." He adds, "There are occasional talks also, you would see when people are out on a lunch or dinner they would talk about the best joint to eat at, if in a marriage party, they would talk about the menu in other weddings and if they've shopped there earlier, the experience would count." "At present 26/11 is the hottest topic," says Aroma Dhawan, teacher at GMHS-34. She adds, "Women will be women, so clothes, jewellery, exhibitions sure are a part of their daily talks. Other than that, being teachers, we discuss students and their problems. How to deal with teenagers is also a pivotal point of discussion." Summing up she doesn't forget to mention, "Dostana and topics related to gays sure have added spice to our daily discussions." "Wives and their shopping sprees, form a major part of our discussions," says Pradeep, an employee of a telecom company in Mohali. He adds, "It's not that we snivel about it but it relieves the tension, as by talking we get to know that all men are sailing in the same boat." Well, now we can twist the phrase and safely say: if discussion were the food for thought, play on... jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Work up your green quotient From recycling paper to sending emails to shunning plastic cups, find ways to make your office eco-friendly
You don't need to drive up to Mars, take a sabbatical in the Himalayas or give an arm or leg. Or be a thespian, philosopher, erudite. Or even be a doctorate in global warming, writing a research thesis on carbon footprints, hold a copyright on forest preservation practices! In short, one doesn't need to be extraterrestrial to drive home the significance of being ecologically friendly. Nor belong to United Nations' decision-making club to bring about a difference. Environment preservation starts with you, in your homes and right now. Only this time, it's your office we are talking about. The who's who companies have done it already. Office machines showed its commitment to green by powering its complete headquarters in the Texas, US with eco-friendly power sources. The headquarters at Texas that employs more than 10,000 people uses a mixture of renewable energy sources including solar and wind to power its systems. Toyota Material Handling UK has award-winning eco-offices at Chatwynd Business Park in Chilwel. It offers many green features including biomass wood pellet, solid fuel boilers, rainwater harvesting for flushing, cycle parking and shower facilities, storage for recyclable waste and high frequency energy efficient lighting complete with day light sensors! While no one's expecting us to get that technical, yet in many ways one can make a difference by adopting eco-habits.
There are corporates already making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Ankur Sood, an employee of a telecom company in Mohali says, "Start with your computer. Chances are ninety per cent of your office time is spent sitting in front of the key board and a small changes are can go a long way toward reducing its negative impact on environment.” Extend up to lighting, cell phone, stationary, possibilities are infinite. The seemingly most harmless of coffee habit could be the worst culprit! There's hardly any product that's unfriendlier than the material called Styrofoam. Yes, those same, soft, white cups are made of highly processed petroleum polystyrene (technically speaking!) and they're sure to languish in landfills for zillion years. Only if we knew! As Aminul Islam Khan, programme manager, Commonwealth Youth Programme, says, "We, by virtue of the very nature of our organization, adopt practices like sending mails and avoiding using paper. But there should be more awareness among corporates and it needs to be pursued aggressively." And remember, no matter what your cause, class, category, we all depend on clean soil, air and water to live! Don't we? manpriya@tribunemail.com
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SRK’s latest movie wins hearts the world over A career best performance by Superstar Shahrukh Khan as the ''self effacing yet endearing'' Surender Sahni and the ''heartwarming cinderella love story of this ordinary guy-next-door with his Princess Charming'' in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has set the box office ablaze, leaving exhibitors and distributors smiling after a spate poor run by Bollywood films over the last few weeks. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which released worldwide on December 12, has grossed approximately Rs 60 Crore worldwide on its opening weekend, breaking all earlier opening weekend collection records for Yash Raj Films, sources in Yash Raj films said. The nearly Rs 60 crore gross in the opening weekend makes Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi the highest opening weekend grosser ever for Yash Raj Films, surpassing the opening weekend collections of Dhoom 2, which is regarded as one of the highest grossing films of all-time. In West Asia, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has set a new record altogether as the highest opening film of all-time with gross collections of approximately one million dollars on its opening weekend alone. The previous highest was Dhoom 2, which grossed approximately 1.86 million dollars across its entire run. The film has also received a grand opening across all overseas markets, including the UK, US, Australia, Europe, Africa, and other territories in Asia. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has been appreciated tremendously by audiences across the board and the film's performance promises to continue in the same vein moving forward. Infact, trade sources say ''SRK's never before seen avataar'' of an ''ordinary guy next door'' who, despite his ''boring look and a funny antics'', manages to win the heart of his young and vivacious newly-wed wife Taani with his power of persistence has endeared cinegoers to him, drawing audiences to theatres in huge numbers. Infact, analysts feel that Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, with its catchline of 'there is an extraordinary love story in every ordinary jodi', has put the smile back on the faces of the people stressed out by the terror strikes in Mumbai. For Yash Raj Films, the stupendous response to Rab Ne Bana Di jodi comes as a much needed shot in the arm for the production house, whose earlier films this year, barring the Ranbir Kapoor Bipasha Deepika Padukone-starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno, like the Kunal Kohli-directed Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Tashan and the animation film Roadside Romeo met with a lukewarm response at the box office. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has created a lot of buzz in film circles as it marks return of Aditya Chopra to direction after a eight-year gap since Mohabbetein. What has added to the excitement is that the film has the combination of Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh coming together after eight years. The film has also evoked a lot of excitement among cinegoers across the country as it is the first Shahrukh Khan release in over a year, his last film being Farah Khan' s Om Shanti Om, which released last Diwali. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which was released worldwide in over 1200 cinemas screens on December 12, is also the first Indian film to get an extensive same day release in Europe. The film got a simultaneous release today in European countries like Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Denmark, Sweden and Norway on December 12 along with the rest of the world. RNBNJ is the story of Surinder Sahni (Shah Rukh Khan) - a simple, clean hearted, honest man working for Punjab Power, leading a humdrum life, and the flamboyant, fun-loving, vivacious - Taani (Anushka Sharma). The story moves as Sahni
meets Taani for whom the whole world is her canvas and paints life with
colours of rainbow until
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Blame it on big sunglasses
"I hurt my foot bad enough to get 15 stitches... don't ask me how. In a freak accident, thanks to my big sunglasses and nose in the air, I overlooked a sharp metal piece that slit my foot, thankfully not below but over the foot," Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/. "It is nothing that local anaesthesia, a tetanus injection and antibiotics couldn't solve. There's nothing to worry about other than my dates that have gone for a toss, disabling me from taking Odissi lessons for my new film Desire," she wrote. The actor, who made a special appearance in hit film Dostana, is extremely excited about this Indo-Chinese project in which she is working with a foreign actor for the first time. She is paired with Chinese actor Xia Yu. But for now, she plans to take it easy for at least two weeks for the healing of her injured foot. She ended her blog by posting: "Look before you leap and stay grounded."
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Ghai wishes he had been exposed to world cinema earlier
"The few international movies that I could see was when I was doing a diploma course in acting at the Film and Television Instuitute of India (FTII) in Pune. So, when I took to direction, I had no option but to observe how the filmmakers before had made movies in Bollywood and learn the ropes of filmmaking," Ghai said. He was speaking at the launch of Shemaroo Entertainment's world cine lable here. Ghai feels that the initiative would be of great help to the new breed of filmmakers. "Watching the DVDs of world classics made by the masters of cinema, I'm sure, would help them to raise the benchmark of filmmaking in India," Ghai said. His film training institute Whistling Woods International has associated itself with the Shemaroo initiative as knowledge partner. The students of the institute will create content booklets to go with the DVD packs of special feature section of the world cinema to give the viewers a prior knowledge of the titles. Each DVD will also be accompanied by short movies made by the students of Whistling Woods International. Shemaroo's world cinema library contains selected movies from all the major filmmaking countries of the world, including the master works of Akira Kurosawa, Francois Truffaut, Claude Berri, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Pedro Almodovar, Takashi Miike, Roman Polanski, Andre Techine and Claude Charbol.
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Common concern Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfikar shares India's pain over the Mumbai attacks Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfikar, who played a terrorist in Britain-based Indian filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra's controversial film Shoot On Sight, says an average Pakistani does not endorse terrorism and it is "cruel and unfair" to blame all his countrymen for the terror strikes in Mumbai. Mikaal says Pakistanis were as horrified by the terror strike on Mumbai as when the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad was attacked in September. "The two attacks are no different. Both Pakistan and India are at war with terror. And I speak for 90 percent of Pakistanis when I say what has happened in Mumbai has deeply saddened us. Mumbai is a second home to me. "In Pakistan, we face many more terror attacks than India. We're more terrorised than you are. We need to stand up and face terrorism as a global community," Mikaal told in an interview from Karachi. Mikaal says an average Pakistani does not endorse terrorism. "No one in Pakistan wants violence. I've heard that two Pakistani comedians working in Mumbai (Nadeem and Ehsaan) have been asked to fly back. With due respects to Indian sentiments, to blame the whole of Pakistan is cruel and unfair. In Pakistan, we share India's pain." "We in Pakistan are distraught that this should happen at a time when relations were getting so much better. We can't let terrorism triumph by letting relations suffer. A minuscule section of people are spoiling things between the countries." Mundhra has invited Mikaal to Mumbai. "I need to be in Mumbai and work in Bollywood. I may have visa problems while coming to Mumbai because I am a dual passport-holder (Pakistani and British). We're hearing a lot of anti-Pakistan sentiments coming from India." "I'd love to come to India. But if I feel it isn't safe then I won't. But I don't think that's the case. I've been to India before and I've never felt any hostility. I want to bring a message of peace and love from Pakistan and India. I hope the wounds heal by the time I come to Mumbai. If not, I'd like to heal them." — UNI, IANS
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Sami shocked Singer Adnan Sami shaken by Jagjit's criticism
"I can't believe Jagjit saab would talk like this about me. He's always been so sweet to me. I'm his biggest fan. And why would he say I came to India to become an actor? "When I came here, I weighed three times more than what I am. And why would he accuse me of sending my money to Pakistan? I earn and pay taxes in Mumbai, I can show you my PAN card," Adnan said. Singh, who openly acknowledges Mehdi Hassan as his main inspiration, told a website in an interview that Adnan can't sing and should go back home. "He (Adnan) became a singer by mistake. He had come here to become an actor and by mistake he became a singer. He can't even sing. People like him should be sent back to work there (Pakistan) because they make money in India and send it to Pakistan," Singh was quoted as saying by website www.starboxoffice.com. A source from the music industry who knows both the parties spilled the beans behind Jagjit Singh's rancorous outburst. "There's more to Jagjit saab's outburst against Adnan than a spirit of patriotism. Recently, when Adnan was doing the score for Vikram Bhatt's 1920, he wanted all the stalwarts of the classical world to contribute a track. He approached Jagjit saab for the song. And he even had the tune ready. But a section of the film's production team vetoed Jagjit saab's presence in the album. And Kailash Kher sang the song meant for Jagjit Singh. That's when Jagjit Singh decided who the enemy was," said the source. Adnan doesn't deny the incident during the recording of the 1920 songs. "I did approach Jagjit saab for a song in 1920. He couldn't sing it for some reason. So what? I refuse to believe he'd act so petty. He has always said Mehdi Hassan was his greatest inspiration. Why would he now make these uncharitable remarks against all Pakistani artists?"
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Foot tap
The Shoe trends for winter 2008 - 09 are distinctly bold and guarantee to dress you up even on a cold winter day. And to help keep your feet stylish yet warm, MOMAK presents its chic and affordable winter collection. Whether you prefer a stylish boot or a light and comfortable ballerina, the brand has it all. Boot- a- luscious The trends for boots this winter are knee length boots and ankle-high boots. Available in both patent and pure leather, they are available in black, brown and purple colours. The ankle boots can be chosen from a variety of fur lined and wedge heels and can be teamed with leggings and slim pants. High heeled lace ups Sleek and stylish they are available in vivid colors and are crafted with finishes such as patent leather. Toe styles Choose from various types of toe styles -square toes, peep toes, mary jane, sling backs, pointed toe. Heel trends Wedge heels and cone heels continue to be popular in mock animal skins, brightly coloured patent leather and satin. The stiletto will carry on adding a touch of sexiness to your winter skirts and dresses. And if you are not a heels person, then ballet flat or ballerinas are for you. They can be found in a variety of new colors and fabrics including satin. Shoe style
According to Arun Bajpayee, director, East Face Footwear Pvt. Ltd. the shoes encompass soles made from imported TPR sheet and Premium selection of leather for upper surface with soft finish and sheep lining. This perfect French styling semi formal shoe is best for both corporate and party wearing. Unique combination of inside comfort with stiff toe makes it a classy shoe to be worn by an age group ranging between 18 to 45. The small curve toe top with hand crafted side stitches makes it a very classy gentle man shoes. Available in black, camel and dark brown shades for Rs. 4290 in premium stores of Regal, Inc.5, Metro, Mochi, Easteam , Shoe Tree, Rocia and The Loft all over India. — TNS
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Cozy comfort
What all do you do to keep yourself warm? Wear three layers of clothes, woolen socks, snug gloves, a cap and whatever else is possible? While you support all these things, there is something you lose out on-style. We certainly aren't saying style is more important than shooing away chilly winds but why not carry comfort and style together. All you need to do is pick up the right stuff from the market and accessorise your clothing to look chic. Here we have some accessorising tips for you to look your stylish best this winters. Knot it How can we forget Shahrukh's signature style in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, in which he is supporting a knotted look around his neck? Probably he didn't have much to choose from in the movie so just wore the woolen mufflers but we have ample choice for sure. Besides the range of machine made woolen mufflers, available is hand knitted mufflers (made of feather wool), rabbit fur and crochet. Pom poms attached to the ends render this simple accessory a stylish and cozy look. Blacks, browns and greys are the usual colours of the season. You can pick some of these stylish pieces from Dugga Dugga-34 and Attractions-35. For your feet only
Pick some from Shastri Market- 22 and branded ones from Nike, Reebok and Adidas. Cap it right Now here, you can either go
for styleor warmth. Though we have baseball and golfers caps in the market
but they aren't warm at all. So while looking for the fitting
replacements, we found out crochet caps. Soft, colourful and not to forget
very stylish, you can get these caps from any woolen clothes store. The
knitted woolens aren't bad either. Besides the branded ones, you can pick
them just for Rs 150. Don't forget to bargain a little, if you want to
save another Places where you can find them are Octave-17 and Vijyan Brothers- 33. Hand and glove Please don't wear the fake leather gloves and don't give them preference either. They are little scary and remind us of killer hands in the Hollywood flicks. Choose colourful knitted gloves. They render a casual yet chick look and are available in sizes like half covered fingers and fully covered ones. Stole the show The contemporary shawls can be worn with ethnic and western wear. In vogue from last five years, we all know they are snug and stylish. Pashmina will indeed be the best choice, but these stoles can sure add variety to your wardrobe. Available in varied hues pick one that suits your budget. Available at Sachdeva Cloth House-19 and Dugga Dugga- 33. ashima@tribunemail.com
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A city boy Utkarsh Singh, class IX student from Bhawan Vidyalaya has won the first prize in the 'Sketch the i' competition. A unique educational initiative organised by Hyundai Motor India Ltd. called across the country wherein children from various schools participated in a painting competition on road safety. Utkarsh, who has always been fond of sketching, is elated to have won the competition. But he also strongly feels that a lesson in road safety is must for everyone. "Creating safe drivers and driving is what the competition looked at the and I am glad that I could make something that got me the first position." 'Sketch the i' aims at creating safer drivers in the future by targeting today's school children. A total 1,40,000 students participated in the contest organised across 250 schools in 14 different cities - Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and Cochin. In all 52 finalists from different cities were awarded a prize of Rs 10,000, while the three submissions adjudged the best at the national level have been given the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Korea. — TNS
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Exam fever vs fest-o-mania There are students bogged down by the exam fever but there are others gripped by a fever of another kind: festival mania
Exams, report cards, vivas, attendance sheets, practicals, sessionals, dissertations, semesters, assignments, tests, huh! Yet, they say student years are the wonder, the best years in anyone's life! The flipside is more than made up by well, bunks, backbenches, breaks et al. and of course the extra mural events with youth festivals being the undisputed big mommies of extra-curricular activities. For once, examinations can take a deep breath, sit back and relax. In short, go to hell! We didn't teach this. A brief talk with some of the participating souls in the dressing rooms dispelled all misgivings. The participants seemed to be shouting, screaming and shrieking the 'don't care about studies' attitude. As Juhi Moha, sociology student from the Jammu University, said, "I am playing the role of money in skit competition. Right now I am not worried about exams at all. All I can think of is my role and am a little nervous, lot excited." With the golden spider veil, signifying her role, all over the face, the girl had every reason to be. Looks like the worries remain but on treasured subjects. Wamiq Zia, from Jamia Millia Islamia University put it best, "If I was worried about exams would I be here into theatre?" The economics honors student, playing the role of a king, has been practicing since August. His comfort level in the elaborate silk satin robe characteristic of an Indian raja testified the groundwork that went behind. Sure, there must be characters burning the midnight oil and worrying for mundane affairs but who cares? One more revelation. You don't necessarily have to be part of the show, had invested hard work, have university's name at stake to feel the madness. Volunteer Apneet Kaur, says, "We come at sharp nine in the morning and leave around 8p.m. There's so much of work to do." The M.Sc Zoology student enjoys slogging for so many hours at stretch even if it's work like distributing attendance sheets. She adds, "The seemingly clerical, mechanical additional work too requires a of multi-tasking and running around. So we don't mind the extra hours and efforts being put." Spirit personified. What's important is being part of the coordinated chaos, synchronized anarchy and intended rush! Lectures, notes and even full attendance never qualifies for a remembrance. The first-degree, gold medals, merit list too stops glittering after the applause. And to be succinct, the memories of such events never fade. So, book worms, worrywarts and studious spoilsports are most welcomed. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Sing along After late Ishmeet Singh, Arshdeep Kaur from Ludhiana gets ready to sing to the tunes of Bollywood Music runs in her family, an everyday dose with a dash of passion that comes with a tinge of struggle as well. So we have Arshdeep Kaur, from the industrial town of Ludhiana, feeding on her daily khuraak called music and carrying forward the notes that her city-sibling Ishmeet Singh left unsung. The singer was in city to perform at the ongoing Youth festival at Panjab University and left everybody enthralled by her ghazal. "The audience was good, ghazals are my forte and I love performing onstage," says the singer who had adopted music and made it her own at a very young age. Life for Arshdeep, an ardent fan of Madan Mohan, the noted music composer of yesteryears, took a high turn with Star Amul Voice of India. One of the 12 finalists on the show along with Ishmeet Singh, who went on to become the winner, her singing touched every heart and she was touted as one of the favourites. "It was the platform we were looking for. The whole experience on the show groomed us for the struggle ahead," she says. Before sharing space with Ishmeet on TV, she had performed with him at the music nites organised in Ludhiana. But she too feels the after effects of being a reality show contestant. "It's important to have the best of talent while going for such shows but then sometimes the talent gets overshadowed by other things like voting," she says. But then again, it's all about getting noticed. Talk music and her junoon for gayaki sometimes makes her self-critical. "Like my performance at the youth festival was appreciated by all, but it left me unsatisfied. I think I can do better," says Arshdeep. Her inspiration, she says, comes from her mother who is fond of music and her lyricist father. And with all her talent, she is aiming for singing career in the tinsel town. "Coming to Mumbai means struggle and I want to take small steps before the big leap. Playback singing is my ultimate destination,' she says. She wants to join ranks with Jaspinder Narula and Sunidhi Chauhan and wants to sing alongside Sonu Nigam. Some offers? "Well, there are some, but nothing final yet. I hope I succeed in my attempts to make my family proud some day," she says. And that holds true whether or not her Bollywood dreams come true.
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Yeh dil maange more
Publicity, please
Isha Singhal,
M.A Economics student, Panjab University Smooth show
Shamsher Singh, Theatre student The examination axe
Rizwan Javed,
Student, University of Kashmir
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Women's fashionwear brand Madame is planning to invest up to Rs 35 crore in the country in the next two years to double the number of its single-brand outlets from the current 51. "We have currently 51 outlets across the country and our target is to have another 50 exclusive brand outlets by 2010. There is no cap on investments but we expect it to be up to Rs 35 crore," Madame managing director Bipan Jain told. He said the company is seeking to maintain the existing growth and double the turnover figure. "Besides expanding our exclusive brand outlets range, we are also committed to continue product supply to over 600 multi brand chains, including Lifestyle and Central with whom we deal," Jain added. He said that the company normally introduces over 1,200 designs each year and in the recent times, it has been achieving growth of over 100 per cent year-on-year. —PTI
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Between
the blur of vehicles that squeal past, to eating out in a messy canteen,
to standing in a queue waiting for a bus, to dinner at a posh club-
discussion forms the heart of any conversation. Then, be it a group of
like-minded people, friends or foes, they are bound to discuss something
or the other-topical or non-topical. But the topics of discussion keep
changing with time. So, what's hot these days: politics, family, office or
fashion? We check out.
"If
you talk present, then it is Mumbai blasts that we guys are discussing
24/7," says Priyanka Khosla, managing director, Flying Cats. Ask her
what about the terror attack and she says, "Security and insecurity
of living on the edge, where anyone can land in our homes and kill us for
nothing. It is sad to see how things are turning out to be and how
insecure we are even in our own land. Apart from this, the talks are
seasonal, sometimes they are wedding-centric, at other times they revolve
around kids, parties and clothes. And from the last few days, everyone has
been talking holidays. Where to go and how to celebrate New Year's."
Bollywood
beauty Shilpa Shetty recently injured her foot and blames her big
sunglasses for the mishap. The actor says that it has disrupted the
schedule of her international project Desire.
Subhash Ghai, who churned out hits like Saudagar and Ram Lakhan, regrets that when he started directing movies in mid-'70s, he had no access to the world cinema to study the works of filmmakers from other parts of the world.
Crooner
Adnan Sami, who has given hits like Bheegi bheegi raton mein, refuses
to believe that Indian ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh criticised him by
saying "he can't sing and should go back to Pakistan".
Homme,
an international French brand in footwear is unveiling its new range of
semi-formal shoes this winter. The new collection has a wide range of
exquisite designs that adds to the much needed sophistication and attitude
for the fashion conscious men. The footwear is a perfect blend of style
and classy looks that are designed in such a way so that they can be worn
both on formal and casual events.
After
Cell phones and toys from China, socks is the least expected thing, which
too gets imported from there. Of course, you can go in for a pair worth Rs
500 from Tommy Hilfiger or Rs 200 from Pepe if your are brand conscious,
otherwise this option isn't bad at all. Chinese socks are available for Rs
20 in Shastri market-22. They are warm, stylish and unbelievably cheap.
Ankle length socks have been in from past few seasons and this time too
they are the best bet. From bright pink, green, yellow, to any and every
colour they are available in funky deigns.
Though I am totally satisfied with the way the event is being handled and received, still they should have publicised it more. Half the hostellers have left for home because of holidays. Had they known they would have stayed. I think the university should have advertised the event more aggressively by further playing on the highlights. Even those who are aware of it don't know what's happening at what place. The complete itinerary of competitions and venues should have been made available to every student. 
No doubt it's good and been organised at large level. The ones attending it for the first time might even be mesmerised. But this time the participation, compared to earlier years is a little low. Those who've seen it before will vouch the auditoriums and venues would be packed even in the passages and outside. The participation could have been much more, but given that exams and holidays are near, it's all right. Rest, there's nothing to complain about. The events and things have been going on smoothly and as per the scheduled timings. 
I like quite a lot of things about the fest and the way it's been organized but the universities altogether should be a bit more structured on this. Like this is the examination month in almost all the universities. That inevitably plays a dampener. There should be a fixed month kept for all these activities and the fest should be held in that particular time span only without changes, every year. Exams and extra-curricular activities together are not a wise combination in terms of events.