Celebrating a rich legacy

Virsa, the flagship annual management and cultural fest of SGPC's Guru Nanak Institute of Management Studies (GNIMS), Mumbai, was held on March 15 and 16 amidst great fanfare. This year, the theme of the inter-collegiate event was women empowerment.

Virsa 2014 campaign for security and empowerment of women Pics/ Prashant Waydande

Vasant Sanzgiri, group head-HR, Shapoorji and Pallonji, inaugurated the fest which attracted students from various graduate and management institutes from across the city.

Vasant Sanzgiri, group head-HR, Shapoorji and Pallonji (left), at the inaugural function of the GNIMS fest with Dr. Ajit Singh, director general, GNIMS and Prof. Channpreet Kaur, event head

On day one, the young participants put their business acumen and physical fitness to test in a host of management and sports activities. The winners were awarded trophies and certificates. The day ended on a musical note with the War of DJs.

Girls from an NGO put forth a lively dance performance

The next day was reserved for cultural events. Various programmes such as Suron ka Sangam, Ramp Illusions, Burn the Dance Floor and LUX Mr. GNIMS and LUX Ms. GNIMS were held. Eminent personalities were invited to judge the competitions.

The judges and audience enjoying the show

Designer Ana Singh was the chief guest of the dazzling evening. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included singer Manmeet Singh, TV actor Karan Shukla and choreographer Mobin.

A rousing Bhangra by the students had everyone cheering

The day ended with the Virsa or legacy of Sikh culture viz Gidda and Bhangra performances. The showstealers, however, were a group of girls from Ashna Trust of Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, who presented a captivating dance recital.

The girls had been trained by the students of GNIMS. RACE charitable trust put up a stall to exhibit articles made by less-privileged women. mid-day was the print media partner for the event.