By Shivaansh
On the vibrant evening of April 19th, 2025, the Student Activity Center (B207) of Xiamen University’s School of Medicine came alive with music, dance, colors, and applause as the Cultural Fest 2025 unfolded. Organized by the Cultural Department of the 7th Student Union, this year’s event set a new benchmark for creative expression, unity, and celebration of cultural diversity.
Under the leadership of Cultural Head Shivaansh, supported by his dedicated team—Daksh Rohilla and Abdullah—the event was meticulously planned and brilliantly executed. The Presidium, led by President Devrakshita Mishra gave an inspiring opening speech and Vice President Aditya Garg, provided unwavering support throughout. The behind-the-scenes efforts of Mohammed Zahid Dar (Cameraman) and volunteers Raghav, Udit, and Mohammad Safiur ensured the evening flowed seamlessly, while Sara and Shravani, our charming hosts, kept the crowd engaged with their humor and warmth
Guests of Honour
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Director of MBBS center and faculty members Dr. Maxwell, Dr. Bipin, Dr Rai, and Dr. David, and respected administrative staff members Mr. Zubair, Mrs. Ching, and Mrs. Susan. Their presence added prestige to the evening and was a reminder of the school’s commitment to fostering holistic student development.
A Mosaic of Performances
The spotlight then shifted to a dynamic lineup of performances, showcasing the rich diversity and multifaceted talents of our student body:
Ruchit & Group began the evening with a soulful rendition of 春日 (Spring Day)—a Chinese ballad that beautifully reflected themes of hope and renewal.
Niranjani - mesmerized the crowd with a solo dance blending North and South Indian classical styles, a graceful tribute to India’s cultural unity.
Manjisha and Nisha presented a duo singing act, blending two emotionally resonant songs into a single powerful narrative.
A high-energy group dance by Hansika, Sahana, Simran, and Diksha fused Bollywood glitz with Punjabi and Haryanvi vibrance—an explosion of rhythm and color.
Zhang Can performed Drizzle (小雨), a hauntingly beautiful Chinese song combining classical instrumentation and poetic lyrics.
Kashish lit up the stage with a solo dance fusing Bollywood, Punjabi folk, and traditional Indian elements—bursting with cultural pride.
A lucky draw brought excitement among the audience, with coupons distributed by faculty and directors.
Yashvi impressed with a Bollywood semi-classical solo, artfully blending grace with expressive storytelling.
Siddhartha Mishra, the “Young Wizard,” enchanted the crowd with a magical performance inspired by the world of Harry Potter.
Zaheer (连景) brought emotional depth with his touching rendition of The Moon Represents My Heart, a classic Mandarin love song.
Rishi, performing under the name Nadan Parinde, delivered a powerful solo reflecting self-discovery through Bollywood rock music.
Cristiva and Evelyn captivated with their bold and precise K-pop dance to Trouble Maker, electrifying the atmosphere.
Tuned Up Docs (Pratham, Abhishek, Naman, and Shubham) closed the performance segment with a nostalgic 90s Bollywood medley that seamlessly merged retro melodies with modern flair.
Another lucky draw followed, giving more audience members the chance to win food coupons, adding a fun, interactive twist to the evening.
Celebration of Excellence: Results and RecognitionAs anticipation built, the winners of the Cultural Fest 2025 were finally announced amidst roaring cheers:
·1st Place – Tuned Up Docs (Pratham, Abhishek, Naman, and Shubham) for their Bollywood medley.
·2nd Place – Nadan Parinde (Rishi) for his soulful rock performance.
·3rd Place – Yashvi for her elegant Bollywood semi-classical dance.
These winners were recognized not only for their talent but also for the emotional depth and cultural storytelling their acts brought to the stage.
Honoring Our Chinese Participants
The evening would not have been complete without the remarkable contributions of our Chinese participants, who brought a rich layer of cultural authenticity and artistic elegance to the stage. Through soulful songs and traditional musical influences, they captured the poetic beauty and emotional depth that defines Chinese performing arts. Their presence highlighted the truly international spirit of the School of Medicine and reminded everyone of the power of culture to connect hearts beyond borders. Their performances were not just acts—they were experiences, and they were received with great admiration and applause. Thank you (Helen 商蝶, 卢伟峰, 陈媛, 任爽, 江婵群, 灿张。)
Closing the Evening: A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
The evening was wrapped up with a heartfelt closing speech by Shivaansh, who extended gratitude to every participant, faculty member, and volunteer for contributing to such a successful event. He emphasized how the Cultural Fest 2025 achieved its core goal: to bring together students from different backgrounds, allowing them to share and celebrate their unique cultures in a space of joy, unity, and respect.
A Fitting Finale: Award Ceremony
Following the cultural performances, a formal award ceremony was conducted to present pending certificates from various past competitions. Hosted by Shivaansh and Daksh Rohilla, the segment honored students who had excelled in extracurricular activities throughout the academic year. This not only acknowledged individual achievements but also reinforced the spirit of participation and excellence across the School of Medicine. A special thank you to all our leaders, precident, vice-president and other union members from 5th and 6th SUSM without your constant support and guidance we would`t be able to organise this evening thank you.
The Impact
The loud cheers, enthusiastic participation, and emotional connections shared throughout the evening made Cultural Fest 2025 more than just a talent show—it was a celebration of global identities under one roof. From Chinese ballads and Indian classical dances to K-pop and stage magic, the night was a beautiful reminder that culture, in all its forms, brings us closer together.
In the end, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about belonging, expressing, and celebrating who we are.
