The Spirit of Sangathan

Dr Amita Chauhan, Chairperson

Over the past 26 years, I have watched Sangathan evolve from a simple sports event into a powerful celebration of solidarity, resilience and trust – values that define the very essence of our Amity Parivar.
Sangathan is not merely a platform that promotes sportsmanship, it is a movement that nurtures leadership, solidarity, teamwork and spirit of togetherness across all Amity institutions. This year, once again, the entire Amity family came together to celebrate Sangathan - the annual inter-Amity sports meet that marks the birthday of our visionary and respected Founder President, Dr Ashok K. Chauhan.
For me, Sangathan is the most awaited event of the year. It rekindles the joy of being part of a family bound together by shared dreams and unwavering values. Amity was envisioned to create progressive and value-driven youth capable of shaping a humane and innovative 21st-century world. For Amitians, Sangathan is not merely about winning trophies - it is about learning to grow together. It teaches that victory lies not just in results, but in embracing challenges and never giving up! Guided by our Founder President’s visionary mantra of BHAAG - Behavioural science, Hardwork, Attitude, Ambition, and God - Amity continues to pioneer holistic education and nurture compassionate global citizens. Hence, the true spirit of Sangathan lies in uniting thousands of Amitians in camaraderie and kinship, shaping well-rounded personalities. With each edition of Sangathan, we all move towards one common goal – creating a happier and peaceful world and fulfilling our Founder President’s vision of making India a global superpower.

Romanticism 2.0
Beauty, Filters, And The Death Of A Rebellion

Kamakshi Khandelwal, XII B & Ragini Singhal, XII S, AIS Gur 43

A movement born out of the French Revolution, which initially represented a powerful force of resistance and individualism was named romanticism. The ideals were inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a figure who resonated deeply with people seeking liberation from societal constraints. However, in these modern times, the term ‘romanticism’ has undergone a significant transformation. So much so, that it’s almost unrecognisable.
While it once evoked images of revolution and defiance in the times it was invented, it now often conjures up associations with aesthetically pleasing items that make life look and feel, ideal and romantic. This huge shift raises intriguing questions about, how a movement rooted in rebellion and individuality has evolved into an online trend with pink and bows. Has this transformation diluted romanticism’s original meaning?

Roots of romanticism
Romanticism was born in France and Britain, focusing on feelings and emotions rather than reason and logic, so naturally, it was a rebellion.  Ever since its christening after the French root ‘Romanz’, or the ‘Tale of Chivalry’, romanticism was all about spreading feelings of oneness with one’s nation. Famous writers like Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens wrote works that reflected these ideas. From the Polish composer Karol Kurpinski to the Indian writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, art and literature in this genre became extremely popular. At first, romanticism was about patriotism and national unity. But later, romanticism evolved to encompass broader critiques of industrialisation, when machines started taking away people’s livelihoods. A group led by Ned Ludd, ‘The Luddites’, protested the use of machines and sought simpler, nature-focused ways of life. Despite its evolution, Romanticism remained a tool for social change.

The degeneration
Today, however, romanticism is associated with pretty outfits and aesthetic set-ups. It would have been a trivial detail if we weren’t aware of its rich history. A search for romanticism on social media is met with a barrage of posts in which people are seen ‘romanticising’ their lives using music, literature, calligraphy, and even scarves, coffee and more. One could argue that all that’s left of the crop of soul-driven art is the husk. While one cannot help but agree that external and artistic expression is an unarguable part of the cultural and literary movement, it is not all that there is to romanticism.

Understanding the update
Maybe romanticising your life with   clothes and accessories in these modern times is just a mild, harmless form of resistance against today’s fast-paced, stressful world. This trend, like the original Romantic movement, offers a way to escape from the pressures of society and find meaning and purpose. While the aesthetics may have changed, the underlying principles of romanticism remain relevant, providing a tool for coping with modern life’s challenges. So romanticise your life, or don’t. Who cares? In a world where a rat race is inevitable, you’re free to pick your vices. By all means, escape via romanticism. After all, modern problems require modern solutions.

Lighting change

Vira Sharma, Managing Editor

We have just celebrated Diwali and several other festivals - Ahoi Ashtami, Bhai Dooj, Govardhan Pooja, Chhath and many more  - across our beautifully diverse nation.
This festive season, something remarkable caught my attention. As I attended various gatherings and indulged in exchange of gifts with loved ones, I noticed that more and more people had replaced sweets boxes with healthier options like dry fruits, millet-based treats and baked goodies. I saw people gifting earthen or water based diyas instead of electric lights, using recyclable cloth and jute bags instead of decorative plastic ones. Several of my friends had even switched to biodegradable rangoli powders and solar-powered lights, proving that true celebration lies in reducing harm to nature.
Indeed, there is now a growing awareness about celebrating our festivals consciously and responsibly. In fact, I feel it is the youth of our country that is driving this change. At Amity, for instance, the team from AIS Gur 46 took the initiative to spread the message of celebrating eco-friendly festivals. It is heartening to see how our youngsters are choosing green crackers, preferring plant-based gifts, supporting local artisans, and valuing meaningful get-togethers over extravagant displays. Our ability to evolve while staying rooted is what keeps our culture alive and relevant. The way we now celebrate festivals show that India has not only embraced modernity but has also redefined it with responsibility. As we move forward, let us pledge to light up not just our homes but also our planet with hope – hope for cleaner air, purer water and a more mindful way of living.