A breath-taking demonstration of versatility, ingenuity, artistry, and untapped talent was witnessed at Academy of Technology (AOT)  on the 13th and 14th of April 2023 as ARCADIA ’23 – the biggest cultural fest in eastern India – finally took place after a long gap of three years! 

Arcadia ’23 magnificently showcased the many-sided talents of the students of AOT who proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that tech-savvy young engineers could be equally talented entertainers. And since every AOTian believes that excellence is not a one-off act, but a continuous commitment, this much-awaited two-day celebration was the culmination of a month-long tough grind. Students competed among themselves one week prior to the event in order to secure a spot on the final stage.

On the D-day, we witnessed several electrifying performances on classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and Odissi as well as semi-classical and western styles. Proving that music has no boundaries, groups like Dhrubotara and Sandhikkhan took us to our roots with their awesome rendition of Indian folk songs, while Strings and Miscellaneous crooned to contemporary tunes. The Error Crew presented a stunning fusion of Eastern and Western culture through their dance and the troupe Silent Charmers made some real noise with their moves. The unforgettable Boys Hostel dance group re-created four years of engineering life through their nostalgic and fun-filled performance. Finally, the evening came to an end as the iconic GSUS5 band made the crowd groove to their tunes. The drummer of GSUS5, Arpan Chatterjee, amazed everyone with his Portnoyish drum solo, and the lead singer, Subhanil Bhaduri put up a scintillating performance. Throughout the event, AOTians put their cares aside and their commitments on hold as they immersed themselves in some harmonious fun and frolic. 

 

On April 14, 2023, the Academy of Technology witnessed an electrifying performance by Bollywood sensation Mr. Armaan Malik during the second day of Arcadia. Known for his versatile voice, Armaan Malik delivered a spellbinding repertoire, captivating the audience with hits spanning genres. Malik's presence elevated Arcadia's cultural fervor, promising a diverse and enriching experience for the AOT community. The stage came alive as Malik's live performance resonated with the audience, creating an atmosphere of pure joy.

 

Of course, maintaining discipline and all the protocols throughout such a huge event was certainly not a piece of cake. However, through the efficient management of the student organizers as well as the guidance of the faculty and staff, everything was completed smoothly. The whole process not only testified to the teamwork and organizational skills of the students but also spoke of a strong teacher-student bond. While working together, seniors and juniors did not miss the chance to create enduring memories. To conclude, Arcadia ’23 was a wholesome experience for all.