Susi Ganesan, director of 'Virumbugiren' and 'Five Star', expressed his happiness in taking part in the event organised by a women's college where men normally could not enter. If at all they had to enter, they had to have really valid reasons, he pointed out.

A past student of the Madras Inistitute of Technology (MIT), Ganesan remembered his own college days and how he had tried all methods to try and enter the college but in vain (MIT is situated close to the S D N B College). However, the film-maker had some interesting piece of advice for the girls - he urged them to develop desire, quite contradictory to the Buddhist belief, as that could act as a great stepping stone to success, something that happened in his case.

Taking a dig at the Indian education system, Ganesan said students were gauged only by the marks obtained in the exams and their true talent was never discovered as a result. He cited his own case when, after a not-so-pleasing performance in the plus-two exams, people had lost faith in him. But, life had something else in store as he completed his B.Tech and even joined films, initially as an assistant to Mani Ratnam. 

Turning nostalgic, Ganesan added that that part of his life was the most peaceful, with no tension and regrets surrounding it. He also urged the girls to look for that extra bit, beyond mere education, as that could be a decisive factor in leading successful lives. It could be in the field of painting, singing or writing, he added.

The inaugural was attended by over 3,000 students of the college. Principal T Sumithra and the chairman of the college, S N Bhat, participated.

The Contests

The fest had several contests thrown open at the inter-collegiate level -- Classical Dance, Group Dance, Tamil Kavithai, English Oratory, Bridal Make-up, Shipwreck, Adzap, Quiz and Dumb Charades - in which the youngsters participated with gusto and enthusiasm. They won prizes and were enriched in knowledge too. 

The valedictory took place on September 3 with Ramesh Prabha, mediaperson and the proprietor of Galaxy Communication, presiding. He said what was more important in a contest was participation and not victory. The joy in mere participation cannot be expressed but felt, he added.