KOLKATA: The death of singer KK after a performance at Nazrul Mancha amidst allegations of mismanagement and over-crowding at the venue has turned the spotlight on college fests and the student bodies that organise them.
After the pandemic, fests are back with a vengeance with several college unions flying in celebrities from Mumbai, organising performances by local singers and dancers and providing a stage for students and alumni to meet.
But fests are also an opportunity for the unions to flex their muscle, exhibit the following among the student community and capacity to garner high sponsorships from brands.
Members of the unions in different colleges said they take all precautionary measures when they organise programmes where so many people are expected to assemble.
"The nature of college fests has changed in the past few years. With the entry of big brands and event managers, fests are organised much more professionally. The sponsorship is paid following all legal parameters and expenses are audited," said Syed Ahmed Shah, a student of Manindra College.
Several colleges and universities like Lady Brabourne College, Presidency University, Jadavpur University and St Xavier's College are known for professional approach during their fests.
Several principals said students' unions which are backed by political parties and supported by local satraps, function in an autocratic way even violating safety measures.
"There is no accountability over distribution of passes which results in overcrowding at the venue. Many union leaders let people inside the venue without proper passes due to political connections," said the principal of a south Kolkata college.
There were no fests in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic but ever since campuses reopened in February, several colleges and universities have organised their annual fests. On Tuesday, some people tried to forcefully enter the auditorium during the programme and when they were denied permission some of them allegedly broke furniture.
Union member of a north Kolkata college said they have to "entertain requests" from several local leaders for passes or grant entry to their followers.
