United designs by NID students for Ganpati

Those of you who lambasts India's GenNext of being detached from their roots, tradition and culture - it's time they took a look at NID students' efforts to tone down the negativity.

From collecting funds to making of the idol and decorating the pandal and sending invites, the institute's PG students hailing from various states and diverse religious backgrounds converge to create a fine picture of harmony.

While the idol has been designed by Jishnuram, a graphics design student with applied arts background from Kerala, the backdrop is a collective effort by a gang of Punjabi students. 

"Every year we see the festivities only on the TV. This year I have got a chance to be part of it and I love it," said Lovepreet Kaur, while her friend Jasleen Kaur, another Punjabi said that festivities are about exploring India's rich diversity.

The clay idol is about 2 feet high and will be immersed on the third day amidst dhols and drums, said Deepti Ahuja, a student from Delhi.  

The students have managed to raise funds close to Rs 20,000 and will also have a traditional Maharashtrian dinner for the entire staff on Friday.

"From printing banners, invitation cards and collecting funds, it's a total students initiative," explained Ganesh Gulve, co-coordinator for the festival. We will have traditional performances by Bengali and Assamese students said co-cordinator Aditya Bhardwaj.