WAIU presents Impressions 2022: Pravah – an Artistic Journey, the 7th edition of COEP Technological University’s annual international cultural festival, successfully held between the 22nd and 24th of December. The student-run festival, which concluded recently, saw 24 events divided into six modules, along with many immersive pro shows appreciated by many.
Participants from across India came to display their talent, making the festival a vibrant place showcasing the country’s youth’s diversity and energy. The team of more than 250 students led by Impressions 2022 Secretary Vansh Warikoo worked for more than five months to make this happen.
The 2022 edition of Impressions was inaugurated by the famous Marathi actor and comedian Mr. Bharat Ganeshpure in the presence of COEP Technological University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Mukul Sutaone, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. P. R. Dhamangaonkar, Impressions 2022 Faculty Advisor Dr. Kshipra Moghe, Impressions 2022 Secretary Vansh Warikoo, and the enthusiastic audience inside the Main Auditorium of COEP Tech on the 22nd of December.
Mr. Bharat Ganeshpure wished the best for this edition and encouraged the participants with his charismatic style of speech. The secretary exuded confidence that his team would outperform itself.
The first day consisted of the elimination rounds of competitions like ‘Saavani,’ ‘Nrityangana’ and ‘Verse-a-tile,’ alongside art competitions like ‘Doodly-doo’ and ‘ColourSplash.’ The crowd-puller of the day turned out to be the ‘Battle of the DJs’ that took place in the late afternoon.
The food zone of Impressions 2022 also turned into a major hotspot, with the audience and participants flocking to enjoy everything it had to offer, from Pohe and Pav Bhaji to Cubano’s Sandwiches and Pizza Cones. The delighted crowd also enjoyed the numerous beverages being sold. As the evening descended upon Pune, the crowd entered the Main Auditorium to enjoy a Storytelling Proshow by the reputed ‘Amandeep Singh.’ The much-awaited event saw the auditorium filled to the brim!
The second day was the busiest day out of the three. Numerous competitions were held across all six modules at various locations on the COEP Tech campus. Among the most notable were ‘Street Forward’ and ‘So-duet,’ as well as ‘Game of Shades’ and ‘Comiking.’ Meanwhile, ‘High Current’ drew notable performances from talented bands, which were appreciated by the crowd.
As the evening turned to night, a pro show based upon Hindustani semi-classical styles of music, ‘Mallika-e-Thumri,’ took place in the Main Auditorium. It drew audiences from large sections of the alums, faculty, and students. The day ended with a performance by the famous band Sabali, which left the entire crowd enthralled.
The last day mainly consisted of the final rounds of events like ‘Saavani,’ ‘So-duet,’ and ‘Andaaz-e-Bayaan’, alongside the much-awaited ‘Poona-05’. In the afternoon, the valedictory ceremony was held in the presence of senior college dignitaries, which saw emotions of joy being expressed by talented participants who emerged victorious after their performances in Impressions 2022.
Impressions 2022’s final evening marked a new high point in the organization’s history, with a large concert held in COEP Tech Campus for the first time. Impressions 2022 saw the famous Bollywood singer Shalmali Kholgade take the stage to deliver a fantastic performance, with a crowd of a few thousand grooving to songs like “Besharmi ki Height” and ‘Lat lag Gayee.'” Thus ended the 7th edition of Impressions 2022 on a high note.
This edition witnessed a footfall of more than 20,000 individuals, an achievement for the student-led organizing committee. This was the first edition of Impressions to be held fully offline after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the first edition held after COEP achieved university status earlier this year, which further heightened expectations.
The 8th edition of Impressions will be held in December 2023. This edition got eminent sponsors like WAIU, Meet7, JNPA, Revins24, Trinity Bakery, Momoco, Study 24×7, Frother, Fujifilm, and Royal Enfield. The 7th edition also saw the introduction of Impressions’ mascot Cleo, a baya-weaver bird famous for its intricately built nests, which corresponds with the fest’s tagline, “By the artist, for the artist.”